Extreme heat

Get prepared to beat the heat.

Download the brochure Are you Prepared for the Heat? with information on:

• who is at risk during extreme heat
• signs of heat-related illness and what you can do
• simple tips on what you can do to prepare for hot weather.

For more comprehensive information on extreme heat, download the booklet Guide to Coping in Extreme Heat with information on:

• who is at risk during extreme heat
• signs of heat-related illness and what you can do
• checklists to help you get prepared for extreme heat, how to cope when it's hot, and how to recover from extreme heat
• a list of important phone numbers and web addresses.

Please consider displaying this Are you prepared for the heat? poster if you have a waiting room or meeting space.

You can also download fact sheets on a variety of topics related to coping in extreme heat.

Keep the following points in mind in hot weather

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Check on others: Check regularly on relatives and friends at risk, such as the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions.
• Clothing: Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, especially light colours that reflect the heat.
• Minimise sun: Keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and use plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF30+).
• Prepare your house: If you have a fan or air-conditioner, make sure it is working (and set to cool). If you do not have a fan or air-conditioner, open doors and windows where safe to do so. Draw blinds and curtains to keep out the heat during the day.
• Pets: Make sure your pets are kept out of the sun and have plenty of cool water to drink. Avoid exercising your dog in the heat of the day.
• Seek medical advice: Heat-related illness can be life threatening. In an emergency, call 000 for help.

Resources for the general public

• Advice for older people
• Being active in the heat
• Caring for an older person
• Caring for babies and young children
• Caring for pets and wildlife
• Clothing to wear during the heat
• Older children and teenagers
• People with ongoing physical or mental health conditions
• Pregnancy tips
• Preventing heat-related illness
• Safe food handling during extreme heat
• Sleeping when it's hot

Resources for residential aged care homes

Read about extreme heat for older people

Bushfire and air quality information

Find out what is happening with fires and air quality:

• Visit Tasmania Fire Service for fire alerts
• Visit Department of Health for bushfire smoke health advice.
• Visit Department of Health for air quality information
• Visit Environment Protection Authority for more real-time air quality data.

Climate and weather outlook

Find out what is happening with the weather:

• Check the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast for Tasmania
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology climate outlook summary for long-term weather projections.