Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than all other environmental disasters combined. And they are getting hotter and more regular. How can you keep yourself and those most at risk in your community safe?

The coming summer is expected to be extremely hot, power outages are a possibility, and the rising cost of living means many people are worried about their electricity bill.

So, it’s more important than ever to share how to keep safe without relying on air-conditioning and to check-in on people on hot days, especially those most at risk – older people, people with young children, people living with disabilities and chronic illness, people who live in hot homes, and people who are socially isolated. 

We explore what makes a heatwave, what to do before to prepare and what to do during a heatwave to stay cool. As well as how to keep yourself safe, we cover how to keep others safe, considering more than half of heatwave deaths occur in disadvantaged areas.

Firstly, what is a heatwave?

Heatwaves are lethal, and have killed more Australians since 1890 than bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and severe storms combined. They also kill wildlife, livestock and pets who can’t escape the high temperatures.

Everyone’s health and wellbeing is at risk during a severe heatwave, but particularly people working outside or without adequate cooling, competing in sport, the elderly, children and people with pre-existing illnesses.

“A heatwave is when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot over 3 days. This is compared to the local climate and past weather,” according to Bureau of Meteorology 2024. It's also about how much it cools down overnight. Hot nights make it harder to recover from the heat of the day and can mean that the next day heats up quickly.

The National Bureau of Meteorology provides heatwave maps using colours to show the three different intensities: 

• yellow indicates a low intensity heatwave
• orange indicates a severe heatwave
• red indicates an extreme heatwave.

What to do before a heatwave to prepare

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your area so you know when extreme heat is on its way. You can use:
  • the Heatwatch web app
  • or the BoM website.
• Plan any necessary activities for the coolest part of the day
• Make extra ice cubes and place in a container in the freezer. Put wet towels in the fridge. 
• Charge any batteries in case of loss of power
• Stock up on food and medicines so you don't have to leave the house during the heat
  
• Research your local council’s heatwave plan and find out where your cool community spaces are
• Make your own heatwave plan
• Know who to contact if you need help:

IMPORTANT NUMBERS: WHERE TO GET HELP 

• Triple zero (000): In an emergency, including dogs in hots cars and fires, call triple zero (000) 
• Your GP (doctor) – in case of heat-related illness 
• Nurse-on-Call: 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice – 24-hours, 7 days 
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 – support for people in crises 
• RSPCA Victoria: (03) 9224-2222 – if an animal’s life is at immediate risk 
• Wildlife Rescue Australia: 1300 596 457 – 24-hour call centre for wildlife in trouble
• Vic Emergency Hotline: 1800 226 226 - for info during and after major incidents in Victoria

What to do during a heatwave

KEEPING OTHERS SAFE

To keep your friends, family, and neighbours safe on very hot days, let them know a heatwave is on the way, share these tips, and check-in on them when extreme heat arrives.

Darebin Council has Keep Cool Factsheets in numerous different languages you can share with those who don't understand english.

Sweltering cities has shared this great information on who to check in on and how to do it:

Who to check in on:

• People who might get sick in the heat: Different people who might struggle in the heat include people over 60, people with disabilities and chronic illness (like diabetes, mental illness, or respiratory illness), young children and people who are pregnant, and people on certain medications that make it harder for their bodies to cool down.
• People who can’t stay cool at home: Many Australian homes are low energy efficient, so they don’t provide much protection from heat or cold. If you live in a hot home, your body will have to work hard to keep cool. Hot nights mean your body doesn’t get much relief.
• People who are isolated or live alone: We know that people who are isolated or live alone can be in danger of getting sick in the heat, and when nobody checks in on them they could be in very serious danger. Studies show people who are vulnerable to getting sick in the heat but have social or family connections are less likely to die.

How to check in:

• Pick up the phone: Do you have a family member or friend who could be at risk during a heatwave? Send them a text or give them a call to ask how they are doing.
• Share health advice: Not everyone knows the most effective ways to keep cool and they might not recognise heat exhaustion or heat stroke. You can share advice on how to keep cool, like the images and information below. 
• Drop by: If you haven’t heard from someone, or you haven’t seen a neighbour when it’s been hot, you can drop by and knock on the door to check in. Remember to keep yourself safe and don’t go anywhere you don’t feel comfortable.
• Encourage others: If it’s hot and you’re talking to people about the weather, you can remind them that it’s a good idea to check-in on people and send them the resources from this page.

KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE

You can’t help others if you’re not safe first, so heres some things you can do to keep safe:

• Keep blinds/curtains closed to keep out sunlight and heat - you can also put an extra piece of fabric over your window
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water - avoid caffeine and sweet drinks
• Stay in the shade
• Avoid outdoor physical activity
• Sit in front of a fan in your coolest room with the door closed
• Save money by cooling only one room in your house, and running your aircon at 24-26 degrees
• Put a wet towel on you or in front of a fan
• Take cold showers
• Eat lighter meals (easier for digestion and avoids turning on the oven)

IMPORTANT NOTE ON FANS: Using fans is NOT recommended when the heat index temperature—a combination of the temperature and humidity—is above 37°C.

KEEPING PETS & WILDLIFE SAFE

During a heatwave we also need to make sure we're caring for our animal friends. In warmer weather, many species face increased stress, and hotter days and nights can have a significant impact on vulnerable species. Here are some tips to help keep your pets and wildlife safe:

• Ensure pets have water and shade
• Don't walk your dog if its over 25 degrees celsius or you cant keep the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening.
• Don't keep your pet in a locked car on a warm day!
• Watch your dog for signs of heat stress - excessive panting and drooling, lethargy, and uncoordinated movements. See this page for signs of heat stress in dogs and more tips on how to protect them.
• Provide water: Put containers of water outside to help wildlife stay hydrated. Refresh the water daily to keep it cool and clean.
• Provide shelter: Provide animals with refuges by planting trees and shrubs that offer natural cooling spaces, or putting out logs and bird boxes.
• Report distressed animals: Minimise any interference with animals when they are distressed. Contact a local wildlife rescue or veterinarian for assistance if you come across an animal in danger/distress.

The signs & symptoms of heat-related illness

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness is important to notice them in yourself and others. Extreme heat can affect all of us and exposure can put you at risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Heat can also make existing medical conditions worse, for example heart disease.

These informative graphics have been created by Sweltering Cities:

If you observe symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical help.

Stay safe this summer! Look after each other. Together we can prepare communities for now unavoidable climate impacts.

Join the Frontline Climate Alliance Vic for support to prepare your community for locked-in climate impacts!

Stay tuned for further updates from Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate collective as we campaign for community-led climate adaptation by signing up for campaign updates here.

If you haven't already, please add your name to the call for a Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund. We need community-led climate adaptation that is continuously and adequately funded. This funding will enable communities to fulfil their plans to build resilient communities in a changing climate and keep those most at risk safe.