Extreme Heat
Extreme heat and heatwaves are periods of unusually hot weather that can cause significant health problems. Extreme heat can affect anybody.
Heat-related health problems include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Extreme heat can trigger heart attack, stroke, kidney impairment, and worsen respiratory illnesses, especially in the presence of pollution/smoke.
Certain individuals are particularly at-risk, including:
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people over the age of 65
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babies and young children
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pregnant women
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people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
Recognising early symptoms of heat-related health problems and taking action is crucial.
Stay safe in the heat with these four simple tips:
- It’s easy to become dehydrated on hot days
During days of extreme heat, keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
- Whenever you leave home, always take a water bottle with you.
- 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.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbours
A quick call can make a big difference. Let people know you are OK or check in on those at increased risk or who may need your support during days of extreme heat.
People most at risk include:
- Those over the age of 65
- Young children and babies
- People with acute or chronic health problems
- People who are socially isolated.
- Stay cool on hot days
You can stay cool at home.
- Use air conditioning or a fan
- Wear light and loose clothing
- Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers
- Block heat entering your home with blinds and curtains if air temperature is warmer indoors than outdoors
- If you need to go out consider spending some time in cool places or air-conditioned buildings.
Plan ahead
When planning outdoor activities,
- Cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day
- Check the weather forecast regularly.
- Monitor Bureau of Meteorology Heatwave warnings athttp://www.bom.gov.au/ or via the Bureau’s app and subscribe to receive the Department of Health Heat health warnings atwww.health.vic.gov.au/subscribe.
More information
For more information on extreme heat and what you can do to prepare, visit the Better Health Channel.
