Heatwaves
Heatwaves are the leading natural hazard risk to human health in Australia.
They can be life-threatening, and periods of extreme heat are common here in the Northern Rivers.
Higher average temperatures, dry and hot conditions, and an El Niño climate pattern mean heatwaves over summer may occur more frequently.
This trend in rising temperatures is predicted to continue due to climate change factors.
That means preparing for a heatwave is as essential as preparing for other emergency events, especially for people who are more vulnerable such as the elderly or very young children.
Use the tabs below to get prepared Before, During and After an event.
Step 1: Know your Risk
Heatwaves can cause discomfort and stress in vulnerable people such as children and the elderly.
The people most at risk from heatwaves are:
- Babies and young children
- Older and elderly people
- Women during pregnancy
- People with medical conditions
- Outdoor workers
- Homeless people
- People living with disabilities
Check out the study below on the heatwave impacts on NSW Northern Rivers Region in 2017.
Download the NR Heatwave Impacts Report
Step 2: Plan
- Know who to call
- Prepare a plan for the heatwave such as rescheduling your outdoor activities
- Prepare your emergency kit
The Bureau of Meteorology provides heatwave warnings from November to the end of March.
For current warnings:
Go to the BOM’s ‘Heatwaves’ page
Download the BOM Weather App for localised weather warnings and forecasts
Check out The University of Sydney’s Heat Watch App to identify your own personal risk of being affected by heatwaves, and to get evidence-based cooling strategies depending on your level of risk.
Go to the Sydney Uni’s ‘Heatstress’ page
Join your neighbourhood hub & get to know your neighbours
If you are already not part of your Neighbourhood Group, find and connect with your local leader if you are in Uki or Greater Uki.
Get to know your neighbours.
Go to RUKI’s ‘Neighbourhood Groups’ page
The following advice from the SES may help you prepare for a heatwave:
- Now is the time to check that air-conditioners, fans, refrigerators and freezers are working properly.
- Learn about medicine storage during hot weather, and especially during and after a power outage.
- Make sure you have the contact details for people who may be able to help if you are in need.
- Make a plan with family, friends and neighbours (especially vulnerable folk) to keep in contact during hot weather.
- Find out which nearby places may offer relief from the heat. Places that may be cooler than your home include air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries and shopping centres.
- Consider installing curtains or blinds.
- Consider external awnings, shutters or other shading around your house to reduce heat.
- Consider insulating your home.
- Stock up on food and drinks for your household and pets, and medicines to last the period of the heatwave.
- Fill ice trays in your freezer and/or have an esky with ice handy in case of power outage.
Step 3: Prepare
- Move your plants to a cooler area if possible.
- Move your animals to a cooler area if possible.
- Keep up to date with weather warnings and forecasts”
- Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illness
Go to ‘health.nsw.gov.au’ ‘Heat Related Illness’
Read the information below on how to help heat stressed wildlife from WIRES.
During a Heatwave
The NSW Health website has advice on how to keep cool during heatwaves.
Go to ‘health.nsw.gov.au’ ‘Keep Cool’ page
- Keep cool and hydrated.
- Plan your day so you try to keep out of the heat and avoid outdoor activities in the heat.
- Ensure your pets and animals have adequate water.
- Minimise physical activity and limit it to the coolest part of the day.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Bring water with you if you’re outdoors/away from home.
- Take cool showers/bathes, soak your feet in cool water.
- Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun.
- Use air-conditioning and fans to keep your home cool. Note that fans may not be as effective once temperatures reach 39℃
- Check on your family, friends and neighbours, especially vulnerable people.
- Keep up to date with weather warnings and forecasts.
- Contact your GP or medical clinic if you are feeling unwell. Call 000 in an emergency.
After a Heatwave
- Continue to drink plenty of water
- Open windows and doors to cool your home
- Monitor your animals and pets if they showed signs of heat stress
- Water your plants and gardens
- Check in with your neighbours, friends and family