Helpful tips to keep your loved ones and community safe in extreme heat

Heatwaves are dangerous for everyone, but especially our kids and other vulnerable members of our society - older people, people with disabilities or medical conditions, babies and young children, pregnant women and those who can’t keep their houses cool. 

We know that record temperatures and heatwaves are made worse by the burning of coal and gas, and that we need long-term solutions. 

And we'll keep pushing decision makers to support all Australian homes and schools to become climate safe and to take action on climate change.

But climate impacts are here now, and we need to look out for each other.

Preparing for a Heatwave

• Red Cross: How to prepare for a heatwave guide

• Doctors for the Environment Heat Health fact sheet

• Bureau of Meterology: Heatwave Assessment and Forecast Service for Australia

• Heatwatch: What is the current heat health risk where you live?

Tips for keeping cool and safe

• NSW Health: Beat the Heat guide

• Expert tips on how to look after your baby in a heatwave

Share #heatsafe tips on social media

• You can download these tiles here or simply share this Facebook post with friends and family 

Tips that can save you money!

• How do I use air-con efficiently?

• Lower cost ways to keep cool in muggy heat

Checking in on your friends, family and neighbours

One of the most important Red Cross tips for heatwave preparation is to get connected: “Keep in touch with friends, neighbours and relatives, particularly if they're unwell or isolated.”

Because connected communities are more resilient communities, and even having a handful of neighbours looking out for each other makes our immediate communities safer.

• Guide to checking in on your neighbours in a hot summer
  
  
• Sweltering Cities Heatwave Checkin Resources

• When to check in with an older person about hot weather
   

Remember, if you or someone you know is feeling unwell, contact a GP and in emergency situations call 000 immediately