Heatwave

Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster

Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.

More people have died during extreme heat than in any natural disaster. In the 2009 Victorian heatwave 374 people died and almost eighty percent of these were over 65 years of age. This year, we’re expecting a hot summer, and that could mean more deaths and illness from extreme heat.

During extreme heat it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. If this happens, you may develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately.

With heatwaves becoming a regular feature of the Victorian summer, it’s important to plan ahead and consider how you can look after yourself and others when the extreme heat hits.

 

Who is at risk?

Extreme heat can affect anybody however the people most at risk are:

  • aged over 65 years, especially those living alone  
  • people with a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness  
  • taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat such as: allergy medicines (antihistamines); blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers); seizure medicines (anticonvulsants); water pills (diuretics); antidepressants or antipsychotics
  • pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
  • babies and young children
  • overweight or obese people  
  • people with problematic alcohol or drug use 
  • people with a disability
  • people who have trouble moving around such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs
  • people who work or exercise outdoors
  • people who have recently arrived from cooler climates.

If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency.

Tips to survive the heat

There are simple things you can do to stay safe in the heat:

  • Drink water - even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water. Take a bottle with you always  
  • Hot cars kill - never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes 
  • Keep cool - seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics 
  • Plan ahead - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you
  • Help others - look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.

Plan ahead for extreme heat

There are simple things you can do to prepare for extreme heat:

  • Stock up on food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in the heat
  • Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature  
  • Check that your fan or air-conditioner works well. Have your air-conditioner serviced if necessary
  • Look at the things you can do to make your home cooler such as installing window coverings, shade cloths or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun
  • If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency

Further information can be found at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat.

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