Be prepared and take four simple steps to prevent heat-related illness.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of alcohol or sugary drinks, and refill your bottle at one of our filtered water stations — unless advised otherwise by your doctor due to fluid restrictions or medication.
- Keep cool by avoiding direct sun, wearing light clothing, keeping your home shaded and ventilated, using air-conditioning or fans, and visiting air-conditioned public places if needed.
- Be prepared by checking weather forecasts using Bureau of Meteorology, talking to your doctor about heat-related health risks, and creating a contact list of people you can help or rely on during extreme heat.
- 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. Use this Heatwave Check-in guide to help you check on friends, family and neighbours. NEVER leave children or pets in parked cars during 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.