Heatwave Management this Summer

El Niño conditions were declared for Australia, which means that we were anticipating the warmer and drier weather conditions around Tasmania this Spring and Summer.

Due to Tasmania’s generally cooler conditions and wide variations in temperature, sometimes we can struggle to adapt quickly to hot or heatwave conditions.

Heat illness is most likely to occur during a series of hot days, particularly when temperatures remain high overnight. Even single hot days can affect some people.

People who are at greater risk than others when it comes to the effects of hot weather include:

Elderly people, Babies and young children, Pregnant women, People who work outdoors or are physically active.

However, we all need to be proactive when it comes to looking after ourselves when extreme heat strikes.

Here are some ways to protect yourself and others during extreme heat:

Keep out of the heat as much as possible and keep physical activities to a minimum. Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre. Keep children and pets indoors. Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have any medical conditions. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

Always remember to see your doctor if you have any symptoms that could indicate heat exhaustion or call an ambulance in the event of an emergency. 

For more information, visit the Tasmanian Government Department of Health website and download the free Heatwave Ready Tasmania brochure.

Heatwave Ready Tasmania brochure