How to prepare for a heatwave

Learn how to stay cool, avoid risks and identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heatwaves can kill. Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but the risk of heat-related illness increase for:

• people aged over 65
• pregnant women
• babies and young children
• anyone experiencing anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress, or anyone with a medical condition that makes it hard to regulate their body temperature 
• people new to an area or who are isolated

When temperatures climb, there are things you can do to stay safe and healthy, and help others.

• Learn the signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Download the Red Cross First Aid App or print out this guide and put it on your fridge.
• Check the forecast and plan ahead for shopping and appointments.
• Get to know the Bureau of Meteorology’s categories of heatwaves.
• If you have a medical condition – particularly, cardiovascular disease or mental health illness – talk to your doctor about how heat may affect you.
• Get plenty of sleep and connect with LifeLine if you are experiencing a personal crisis 

Prepare your mind by thinking about how hot weather affects your mood and ability to think clearly. Get connected with these simple steps:

• identify three key support people. Include people who can help you with practical assistance, as well as emotional support and reassurance
• download our Get Prepared App to help you prepare for any emergency
• write down important phone numbers
• keep in touch with friends, neighbours and relatives, particularly if they're unwell or isolated

Before it heats up, get prepared:

• look at the things you can do to make your home cooler, like installing awnings or shade cloths
• check fans and air-conditioners are working well
• stock up on food, water and medicines, and put ice blocks and packs in the freezer
• store medicines safely at the recommended temperature

There are ways to keep cool when the temperature rises:

• stay inside and keep out of the heat as much as possible
• if you go outside, wear light clothes, a hat and sunscreen, and take water 
• plan shopping, appointments, exercise and gardening for early in the day, or ask someone to help
• keep your home cool by drawing the blinds, turning on fans or air-conditioners and opening doors and windows at night
• take cool showers, splash yourself with cold water, or use a cool damp cloth to cool off
• keep an eye on your mood and ability to think and plan. Seek support if you’re worried
• cool off at an air-conditioned shopping mall, community centre, library or your local swimming pool
• drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary drinks
• eat small meals and cold foods like salads and fruit.

Heat exhaustion is a condition caused by your body overheating. Left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your core body temperature reaches 40°C or higher.

• Learn how to recognise and treat signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Download the Red Cross First Aid App to keep in an emergency.
• Heat stroke is a serious condition. A person can collapse or fall unconscious. The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
  • red, hot and dry skin
  • rapid, strong pulse
  • rapid, noisy breathing
  • body temperature above 40°C
  • typically, no longer sweating
  • irrational or aggressive behaviour
  • deterioration of consciousness
• If you or someone you know shows signs of heat stroke, including fits, confusion and staggering, call 000 immediately.