Coping with the heat

Listen

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

As we prepare for an anticipated hot summer season, we are sharing a few simple tips to ensure you are well equipped to cope with the heat and look after your health.

Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Being prepared for hot days will help you avoid these illnesses.

Stock up on water

Dehydration is often the easiest, and quickest cause of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Have a supply of water readily available by keeping bottles of water filled in your fridge and take a bottle of water when you leave the house.

Buy non-perishable food items

Buying food that can be stored for a long time without refrigeration or cooking will save you going to the grocery store in the heat. Consider buying foods that are canned - including beans, vegetables, soup, fruit, fish and poultry, as well as grains like rice, oats and barley. This will also help you reduce and avoid food waste.

Home accessibility

Check in advance that you have a working fan or air conditioner at home. If you do not have a fan or air conditioner, you can keep the heat out by covering windows with drapes or sheets.

Avoid outdoor activities

Where possible, minimise your time in the heat by avoiding outdoor activity, as well as spending time in the car, particularly during the midday heat. If you’re outside, find shade and protect yourself by wearing a hat and sunscreen. If you have outdoor activities planned, ensure they are planned for the coolest part of the day, or re-schedule it to another day to avoid the heat.

Power outage kit

Power outages may occur during heatwaves, especially when more people are using their air conditioners and fans. Preparing a basic power outage kit will ensure you have essential supplies when a power outage occurs. Recommended items include a first-aid kit, medications, a torch, spare batteries, portable charger for your mobile phone, a battery-operated radio, and an emergency feeding kit for those with babies and young children.

While we are excited to welcome warmer weather and the holiday season, please ensure you keep safe and continue to check-in on your loved ones. For more information and guidance during heat waves, please visit Extreme Heat and Hot Weather.