Extreme heat or heatwaves are periods of unusually hot weather.
Hot weather can affect everyone, however those at greater risk include older people, people with existing medical conditions, babies and young children, outdoor workers, socially isolated people, people who are homeless and pregnant women.
Climate change is resulting in more hot days and more intense heatwaves. Now more than ever, it is important to know the risks of heat and how to protect ourselves and others.
If someone’s life is at risk, call 000.
Heat-related illness can affect anyone. Heat-related illness includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Dehydration increases the risk of developing a heat-related illness.
NSW Health has signs, symptoms, and first-aid for heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness can range from mild to severe and the response required includes:
- for heat stroke: immediate medical emergency care.
- for heat exhaustion: immediate first aid and if symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice.
- for heat cramps and heat rash: may be treated by the individual but if symptoms do not improve seek medical advice.
NSW Health advises to keep cool and stay hydrated
Tips for keeping cool:
- Use air-conditioning or fans at home. Alternatively, seek out cool places or air-conditioned public facilities nearby, if you can safely travel without getting too hot.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
- Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day as much as possible. If you have to go outside, seek shade or shelter.
- Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun.
- Limit physical activity, like household chores or exercise, to early morning and late evening when it is coolest.
- Avoiding using stoves and ovens which heat up the home.
- Cool your skin with a damp cloth, ice pack or cold shower.
- When it becomes cooler outside, open your windows and doors to allow warm air out and let the cool air in.
Tips for staying hydrated:
- Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Don't replace water with alcoholic or sugary drinks.
- Carry water with you when going outdoors.
If your urine is yellow, you probably aren't drinking enough water. Test your urine using the NSW Health colour chart
Cool places
No air con at home? Here are some more places you can beat the heat. Alternatively, you could visit friends or family at home or a shopping centre.