Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster

  • Extreme heat can affect anybody.
  • Those more at-risk include people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
  • Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke, or worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
  • Take steps to protect yourself and others by keeping cool, staying hydrated, planning ahead and checking in with others.
  • Recognising early symptoms of heat-related health problems and taking action is crucial.

Heat tips

There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Stay cool on hot days

Take these steps to stay cool during hot weather:

  • Use air conditioning or a fan
  • Wear light and loose-fitting clothing
  • Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge
  • Take cool showers or foot baths in cool tap water
  • Wrap ice cubes in a damp towel and drape around your neck
  • Block heat from entering your home with blinds or curtains, open windows and doors if you think it is hotter indoors than outdoors
  • Consider spending some time in a cool place such an air-conditioned shopping centre or public library
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity.

Drink fluids

During extreme heat, keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity

  • Take a full bottle of water with you whenever you leave the house
  • Watch for signs of dehydration like feeling thirsty, lightheaded, having a dry mouth, tiredness, having dark-coloured, strong-smelling urine or passing less urine than usual
  • If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much you should drink during hot weather.

Check in with others

A quick call can make a big difference. Let family, friends and neighbours know you are OK or check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support during days of extreme heat.

People more at-risk include:

  • Those over the age of 65
  • Young children and babies
  • Pregnant women
  • People with acute or chronic health problems
  • People who are socially isolated.

Plan ahead

When planning outdoor activities:

The Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness Brochure and Heat Safe Poster also have some great tips to help you prepare for heatwaves and other emergencies.

For more information about extreme heat and how to stay safe, visit the Department of Health and Better Health Channel websites.