Survive the Sun and Heat

Beat the Heat

Learn about the signs, symptoms and first aid for heat related illness and how to prepare for and stay healthy in the heat and how to care for people who are at risk of heat-related illness see the NSW Health - Beat the Heat - Health and Heat Factsheets below:

• English - Beat the heat - Heat and health
• Simplified Chinese - Heat and health factsheet - Simplified Chinese
• Heat and Health: Babies and young children factsheet*

For more information, tips and advice visit Beat the heat.

Heat Smart

Heat Smart community resources developed by Western Sydney councils and the Western Sydney Local Health District:

• Heat Smart tips for heatwaves
• Heat Smart 10 tips for a cooler home
• Heat Smart Keep babies and children safe

For more information and translated versions of the above factsheets visit Heat Smart Western Sydney Community (WSROC).

* Important advice for keeping babies and young children safe in hot weather

Be prepared and take simple steps to prevent heat-related illness including.

1. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty - Speak to your doctor if they have asked you to limit your fluid intake.
2. Keep cool by avoiding outdoors in the hottest part of the day, wearing light loose-fitting clothing, close curtains and blinds to block out the sun, use air-conditioning, if available or electric fans.
3. Be prepared by checking weather forecasts using Bureau of Meteorology, talking to your doctor about heat-related health risks, creating a contact list of people you can help or rely on during extreme heat and know where you can go safely in your area to get out of the heat if your home if it is too hot e.g. air conditioned public buildings and parks with plenty of shade.

4. Check on others including neighbours who are at high risk in extreme heat such as the elderly, infants and young children, people with chronic medical problems and people who are socially isolated. NEVER leave children or pets in parked cars during hot weather.

For more information on how to prepare and manage during heatwaves and hot weather, please visit:

• Beat the heat
• Heatwaves and hot weather

Kids in Cars

Never leave children alone in a car. On a typical 30 degree Australian summer's day, the temperature inside a parked car can be as high as 70 degrees. Even with windows down slightly, temperatures can increase very quickly. If you find a child unattended in a car: Look for the parents or carers If they can't be found, call Triple Zero (000) or NRMA on 13 11 22.

General Safety Tips:

• Keep pets indoors in a cool, ventilated space.
• Provide 2 bowls of water to ensure hydration even if one spills.
• Use fans or air-conditioning if available.
• Avoid exercise during peak heat hours.
• Check ground temperature with the back of your hand before walks.
• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to light-coated or hairless animals.
• Clip long or thick coats to help pets stay cool.

Pets Most at Risk:

• Young, elderly, or overweight pets
• Breeds with thick or long coats
• Pets with short noses or flat-faced
• Animals bred for cooler climates

Signs of Heat Stroke to watch for:

• Rapid panting (birds may pant with open beaks)
• Lethargy or weakness
• Drooling
• Muscle tremors or collapse
• Mental confusion

Contact a vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Never transport animals in a hot car.

For more information visit:

• How to prepare pets and livestock for an emergency | NSW Government
• Heat Stress - RSPCA New South Wales

• Recognise heat stress in native animals by reviewing symptoms listed on the WIRES website.
• If you encounter a sick or injured wild animal, visit: Sick or Injured Wildlife | City of Ryde 
• Place shallow water dishes in shaded, secure spots—avoid leaving food.
• Plan ahead by planting trees and vegetation to offer natural shade and cooling.
• During Bushfires and Disasters Visit the WIRES website for more information about how to help wildlife before, during and after a bushfire.
• Never enter dangerous areas to rescue animals. Leave emergency response to trained and licensed wildlife carers who work with first responders.
• Information based on NSW Government - How to prepare pets and livestock for an emergency | NSW Government 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for more than 95% of all skin cancers. It can cause sunburn in the short term, leading to eye and skin damage, premature ageing and skin cancer over time. Did you know that you can still get sunburnt on cold or overcast days? This is because UV radiation is not related to heat.

During the summer months we often spend more time at the beach, by the pool and enjoying the outdoors. Here are some simple steps to stay safe and protected from the sun:

1. Know the UV Index

2. Check the UV Index on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app or website before spending time outdoors. See ‘how to’ example below:
   1. A. Temperature information for selected location:
   2. 
   3. B. Click on ‘Show more about today’:
      
      
   4. C. Scroll down to ‘Sun and UV times’:
      
      
3. Use sun protection when required using Cancer Council’s 5 suggestions to protect against UV Damage: 
   • Slip on sun protective clothing
   • Slop on sunscreen
   • Slap on a hat
   • Seek shade
   • Slide on sunglasses
4. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours

‘If You Could See UV’ Skin Cancer prevention campaign for young people 

This campaign is targeted at 18–24-year-olds who are most at risk as they are less likely to protect their skin. However, it is good reminder for us all to be aware of the dangers of UV radiation exposure and take simple steps to protect yourself against the sun and reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. 

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5lR0YGkSek 

Find out more about the Campaign here: If You Could See UV' Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign Toolkit | Cancer Institute NSW