Heatwave Safety

It’s important that you protect yourself, loved ones and pets from the heat by staying informed and cool during heatwaves.

Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest environmental disasters. They are periods of high temperatures that last for three or more consecutive days. It is difficult for the body to regulate temperature when it is hotter than 35°C, which may lead to heat stress, heat stroke or worsen existing health conditions.

Heatwaves are a risk for everybody, but most especially:

• older adults (over 65)
• babies and young children
• people with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, mental illness, respiratory illness)
• outdoor workers
• people with a disability.

Preparing for a heatwave

Stay informed

• Check the daily forecast and find out when heatwaves are happening by checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) Heatwave Forecast, on the BOM app or the telephone audio warning service (1300 659 215).
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Get connected

• Identify people who can help before or during a heatwave e.g. family, friends, neighbours or a caregiver.
• Make plans with your support network in case you lose power during a heatwave.
• Have important numbers accessible for potential power outages e.g. doctors, support network, care agencies, electricity company
• Heatwaves can make mental health conditions worse – keep numbers of health services close by, such as Health Direct (1800 022 222) and Lifeline (12 11 14).

Prepare

• Prepare your home to make it cooler where possible. Make sure fans and air conditioners are working well and shade windows and walls, especially the east and west sides of your home.
• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Ensure pets or animals have enough food, water, and a cool place to shelter.

What to do during a heatwave

• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid outdoor physical activity and plan activities for early or late in the day when its cooler.
• Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains, and using fans and air-conditioning.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun by wearing appropriate clothing (loose-fitting, lightweight and light-coloured).
• Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
• Stay cool by sitting in front of a fan, applying a cool wet cloth to your body, eating light meals, having a cold shower or putting your feet in a bucket of cold water.
• Go to cool public places in Canning if its too hot at home.
• Check-in with friends, family and neighbours, particularly if they’re unwell, isolated, or have a hot home.

Energy Offers and Concessions

If you’re worried about using your air-conditioner due to high electricity costs, there are offers available that may assist:

• Synergy Rebates and Concessions:
  • Air Conditioning Rebate
  • WA Government Energy Assistance Payment (EAP)
  • Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme (HUGS)
  • Life Support Equipment Energy Subsidy
  • Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy Subsidy
  • Dependent Child Rebate
• Energy Ahead – helps low-income Synergy customers to save energy and reduce bills.
• Household Energy Upgrades Fund – discounted finance products to help households upgrade their homes with battery ready solar PV, modern appliances and other improvements.
• No Interest Loans Scheme – helps low-income earners access loans of up to $2000 for appliances.

Learn more

For more information, check out the handy resources below:

• Heatwave Safety overview – Sweltering Cities
• Heatwave Check-In – Sweltering Cities
• Prepare for a heatwave factsheet – Department of Health
• HeatWatch Web App
• How to Prepare for a Heatwave – Australian Red Cross