A State Hazard Plan – Heatwave has been activated in Western Australia.
Silverchain is offering a range of practical tips and advice to keep everyone safe and well. It is important to prepare and discuss your plans for a heatwave with your friends, family, clients and carers.
Heatwaves and extreme hot weather can be dangerous for a lot of people, but the risk of heat-related illness can be serious for:
- People aged over 65
- Pregnant women
- Babies and young children
- People with cardiovascular disease or mental health illness
Be healthy
Below is a list of practical tips to help you keep cool:
- Stay in a cool location
- Shut windows, close blinds and curtains
- Minimise use of ovens or stoves
- Stock up on food, water and medicines before the extreme heat if possible, put ice blocks and packs in the freezer
- Use air conditioners and fans
- Take cool showers
Remain hydrated and nourished
- Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and stay out of the sun
- Eat small meals and cold foods like salads and fruit
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke
The signs and symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Muscle pain and cramps
- Itchy red rash developing
- Flushed or pale skin colour
- Heavy perspiration
- Vomiting and nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Weakness and/or dizziness
- Headaches & fainting.
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know shows signs of heatstroke, call 000 immediately.
Stay up to date
- Know your local ABC news radio station and monitor Emergency WA website for official warnings and updates.
Locations
A list of all WA Regions covered by the alert can be found here.
Need assistance
Clients can call our Contact Centre on 1300 650 803.
Need more information on heatstroke:
- Heatstroke information (English)
- Heatstroke information in Languages other than English
- Heatstroke information for your pets
FAQ
What is a Heatwave
Heatwaves kill more people than any other natural hazard in Australia. On average, all areas of Western Australia will experience heatwave conditions annually. Heatwaves can cause increased sickness and death, increase bushfire risk and disrupt electricity supply and train services.
An agreed forecast maximum temperature of 40 degrees celsius or above (on three or more consecutive days) defines a potential heatwave in affected WA regions.
What is a heat-related illness?
WA Health Heat stress advice
What regions are affected?
A list of all WA Regions affected by the Heatwave can be found here.
What can I do to prevent a heat-related illness?
- Take a bottle of water with you to work and try to drink at least two litres of water each day
- Seek cool or shaded locations where possible and ask clients to switch the air conditioning on
- Ensure adequate cooling off periods after strenuous work
- Stay out of the sun and indoors where possible
- Remember to use sun protection including hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Park in the shade when possible and use reflective shields to keep your car cool
- Turn on the air conditioning and increase natural ventilation
- Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks
- Be aware of how to recognise the signs of heat-related illness