Surviving Severe Heatwaves Know The Risks, Prepare, Protect

As severe heatwaves are likely to continue across our region in the next couple of months, we all need to take care.

Everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems, and it’s important to know the risks of heat, who is at risk, how to prepare, and how toprotect yourself and others.

When it’s very hot, your body tries to cool down by sweating.

Sometimes sweating isn't enough to cool you down.

This can make you feel sick, with symptoms like feeling dizzy, having a headache, feeling nauseous, wanting to drink water, or even vomiting.

Heat-related illness can be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly.

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Here’s how to keep you and your family safe:

Drink water often (between 6-8 glasses each day)

Check in on loved ones regularly (especially older adults and pregnant women)

Avoid heavy exercise during the hottest parts of the day

Keep cool in air conditioning or find a shaded or cool spot to rest

Be sun safe by wearing a hat and sunglasses, keeping out of the sun between 10am and 2pm, wearing long sleeve and light clothing, and applying sunscreen every two hours

Find ways to make your home or building cooler like light coloured window coverings, awnings and shade cloth

Limit intake of alcohol, soft drinks, sports drinks, tea or coffee

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If you, or someone you know, start feeling unwell due to the heat:

• Get medical advice by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your doctor.

• In emergencies, don’t wait, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For tips on staying safe in the heat, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/heatsafe