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Heatwaves have taken more lives and caused more adverse health outcomes than any other natural hazard in Australia.
Queensland is experiencing an increase in the frequency and duration of heatwaves, including higher humidity and higher overnight temperatures.
Learn what you can do to stay safe during these conditions.
What is a heatwave?
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as 3 or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location.
Check out the Bureau of Meteorology’s video below to learn more about heatwaves and why they occur.
Know your risk
Heatwaves can impact anyone. However, there are members in our community who are particularly vulnerable and need to take special care during heat waves. This includes:
babies and young children
elderly
pregnant and breastfeeding people
people with medical conditions such as asthma or those on certain medications
pets, and
people who work in the outdoors and athletes.
If you are in one of these vulnerable categories, or care for someone who is, it is important to follow a few simple steps to reduce your risk to stay cool and hydrated during heat waves.
For more information on the risks of heatwave, head to hot weather, health and safety. You can also download the Get Ready heatwave checklist (166.94 KB).
Preparing for a heatwave
- Store cool packs in the fridge or freezer and make ice cubes.
- Fill spray bottles with cool water to use on your face and body. Check fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners work well.
- Stock up on food and drinking water.
Create cool rooms and cross breezes in your house.
- Protecting windows from the sun by using blinds or curtains.
- Ask your doctor how to manage your medical condition in a heatwave, including:
- Will your medical condition will be affected by extreme heat?
- How much water you should drink in hot weather, especially if you normally need to limit the amount you drink?
- How medications can affect your health in the heat?
- Have phone numbers handy for friends and family as well as carers and any local services.
