Beat the heat
In Australia, we are used to hot summers. But heatwaves are becoming hotter, more intense, longer, and frequent.
In fact this year, Bureau of Meteorology modelling shows that we’re facing one of the hottest summers on record.
Extreme heat can be very dangerous – especially for vulnerable people in our community.
It can cause heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, and has claimed more lives than any other natural hazard in Australia.
Some simple steps you can take to prevent heat-related illness include:
- drinking plenty of water
- avoiding dehydrants like soft drink, alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary or caffeinated drinks
- wearing lightweight, loose clothes to increase air flow and reduce sweating, which can dehydrate you
- avoiding being outdoors for long periods on hot days
- doing your outdoor work or exercise in the morning or evening when it’s cooler
- wearing a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen whenever you are outside
- keeping your home cool and well-ventilated by
- opening windows in the morning and evening when it’s cooler to bring in fresh air
- closing windows, curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day
- using a high-efficiency particle absorbing (HEPA) filter to keep your indoor air healthy
- using an air conditioner or electric fan
- keeping your body cool, by placing wet towels or cool packs on your arms or neck, or taking a cool bath or shower
- going to cool places like your local library, cinema or shopping centre.
Keep a lookout for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness can quickly become life-threatening. Heatstroke is an emergency. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if someone has heatstroke.
Read more about protecting yourself and others from extreme heat this summer.
Avoid the buzz
Mosquito-borne diseases are more common in summer, including:
Infected mosquitos spread these diseases when they bite humans. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquito bites by:
- using insect repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil – always follow the instructions on the label
- wearing long, loose, light coloured clothing and enclosed footwear
- fitting windows and doors with fly screens
- emptying pools of stagnant water, like roof gutters or buckets
- changing the water in ponds, bird baths, pot plants and pet bowls at least once a week
- covering openings to water storage – like rainwater and sceptic tanks – with mosquito proof mesh.
Read more about mosquito-borne diseases, and see your doctor if you become unwell.
Clear the air
The quality of the air we breathe can have long-term impacts on our health and wellbeing.
Poor air quality in your home – including during bushfires – can increase your risk of:
- allergies and asthma
- lung and respiratory diseases
- heart disease
- airborne viruses
- some types of cancer.
Remember to ventilate your home well by:
- opening windows and doors around your home when it’s cooler outside
- using a reverse-cycle air conditioner to recirculate indoor air
- using a HEPA filter to help clean indoor air.
Read more about air quality.
Handle food with care
Hot weather increases the risk of food poisoning because food spoils more quickly in the heat.
Safely preparing, cooking and storing your food is the simplest way to avoid food poisoning. This is especially important for high-risk foods like:
- unpasteurised dairy products
- soft cheeses
- eggs
- mayonnaise
- seafood
- unwashed and raw fruits and vegetables
- raw meats and meat products.
Keep your food safe by:
- keeping raw foods like meat, seafood and eggs separate from ready-to-eat food
- storing perishable food in a fridge or in an esky with freezer blocks
- rinsing your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before preparing or eating them
- thoroughly cooking meats, seafood, vegetables and eggs before eating them
- chilling cooked food if you are not eating it right away
- not eating high-risk food that has been left out
- correctly storing and eating food as soon as possible after preparing it
- regularly cleaning your hands, utensils, boards and surfaces that come into contact with food
- avoiding preparing food for others when you are unwell.
Don’t let your loved ones get sick this holiday season – read more about making sure your food is safe to eat.