Extreme Heat Precautions

The heatwave during January/February 2009 prompted the State Government, in conjunction with a number of organisations providing Home and Community Care (HACC) funded services, including Local Government, to consider strategies to assist residents who may be vulnerable or 'at risk' in such conditions.

The following links contain information that may be useful to you, a family member or a friend.

Australian Red Cross - Telecross REDi Service

The Telecross REDi service supports people by regularly calling them during heatwaves and other extreme weather events. Telecross REDi will be activated by the South Australian Department for Families and Communities, when an extreme weather event is declared.

Telecross REDi assists vulnerable and isolated people to prepare for and cope with extreme weather events.

Telecross REDi provides security for clients and their families and carers, who are assured that their loved ones are contacted regularly during extreme weather events.

Telecross REDi Service brochure(PDF, 81KB)

SES Heatwave Information

Extreme heat events can have a detrimental impact on communities. They affect many parts of everyday life such as health and wellbeing, energy and infrastructure, public transport and agriculture. They also create increased fire risk and heat stressed trees, which pose a significant threat to public safety.

There are three stages of heat stress which are outlined in this SES Heatwave guide. The most serious health effect of extreme heat events is heat stroke, which is the failure of the body's temperature control system. Heat stroke can cause severe and permanent damage to vital organs. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can result in permanent disability and even death.

The good news is there are some simple things you can do to reduce the impact of extreme heat. View the above SES Heatwave guide for details.

SES Heatwave Warnings

SES Heatwave Checklist

SES website

Preventing Heat Related Illness

During extremely hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. Please see a list below of how to avoid getting ill during the heat:

  • Whenever possible, stay indoors with a fan or air-conditioner on to keep cool.
  • If you do need to go out in the heat, try and limit your outdoor activity to early morning or evening and stay in the shade whenever you can.
  • Wear lightweight, loose, comfortable clothing, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine as these can make you more dehydrated.
  • Avoid outdoor exercise or strenuous physical activity during extreme heat, especially in the middle of the day. Use common sense when exercising.

SES - Six Cool Tips

SA Health Website

ABC article Australia’s Silent Killer - extreme heat can be life-threatening for some people, and not necessarily the ones you expect.

SA Power Networks

When the power goes out be prepared with these handy tips.

At home:

  • Report power outages online.
  • Find out the current estimated restoration times.
  • Turn off stoves and heaters to avoid starting a fire when the electricity is restored.
  • A fridge and freezer will keep food colder if you don't open the door.
  • Always have a torch with charged batteries handy.
  • Know how to open your electric roller door or gates manually.
  • Make sure you use candles carefully.
  • If you or someone you know uses a life support system please note restoration times are an estimate. Implement your action plan or contact your medical practitioner.

At work:

  • Don't use the lifts. You can get stuck in a lift because of power outage.
  • If you get stuck in a lift, follow the emergency procedure advice in the lift.

Out and about:

  • If driving in an area during a power outage, take extra care as street lights and traffic lights may not work.
  • Stay clear of any fallen power lines and always assume they are live.

In summer:

  • In hot weather, take precautions for extreme heat. SA Health has useful tips and an Extreme Heat Guide at www.sahealth.gov.au.
  • Consider the option of visiting friends or relatives who have power or go to a public place with air conditioning.

What to do when the power goes out

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