Be prepared to weather heatwaves this summer

With a hot, dry summer forecast, it’s time to be prepared for heatwaves. 

With a high median age, and a significant proportion of people living with one or more long-term health conditions, the Noosa community is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves.

Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Project Coordinator Shayan Barmand said heatwaves were defined as periods of unusually hot weather lasting at least a few days, where both daytime highs and nighttime lows are hotter than average.

"Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia than all other climate-driven hazards combined," Mr Barmand said. 

“With a high median age, and a significant proportion of people living with one or more long-term health conditions, our community is particularly vulnerable.

"Extreme heat is also growing in both frequency and intensity with climate change, so it’s essential that our residents are adequately prepared.”

Council’s Disaster Management Officer, Neil Ferris, said that the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting December to February maximum and minimum temperatures to be at least 2.5 times more likely to be unusually high for much of Australia. 

As the weather starts to warm up, now is the time to start preparing and planning for the heatwave season. 

“There are some simple steps residents should take to ensure they are prepared for heatwaves. Start by preparing your home by storing cool packs in the fridge or freezer and making ice cubes, filling spray bottles with cold water to use on your body and face,” he said.

“It’s a good idea to check fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners are all working well, and stocking up on food and drinking water.

“Protect windows from the sun by using blinds or curtains to help create cool rooms, and create cross breezes in your house.

“In case the power goes out, it’s good to have an emergency kit on hand, complete with a torch, batteries, portable phone charger, candles, matches, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit,” Mr Ferris said.

Other tips for staying safe during a heatwave include:

• Monitor the weather, using the Bureau of Meteorology website.
• Be aware of overnight and maximum daytime temperatures and how long the heatwave has gone for.
• Know who you will call for help.
• Know who you will check on, such as neighbours, friends, relatives, and those who live alone.
• Know local cool public places like libraries and shopping centres.

If you have a medical condition, store enough medication at the right temperature and ask your doctor:

• If 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 could affect your health in the heat.

For more information about heatwaves, visit Queensland Health’s website.