Extreme heat has been forecast in the ACT until at least Monday 3 February 2014. Everyone can be susceptible to heat-related stress and illness during long periods of hot weather. Take simple precautions to cope with the heat and watch out for friends, neighbours and family at greater risk. Particularly at-risk groups are babies and children, pregnant women, the frail and the elderly, people who are unwell or have disabilities
Symptoms of heat distress include skin rash, cramps, nausea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, confusion, headaches, vomiting and/or loss of sweating. Some heat-related illnesses can be serious and you should seek medical attention. See CSD Heat Alert Poster for more information about how to deal with symptoms and when to call an ambulance.
Simple tips for everyone to cope with the heat:
- Drink plenty of water (carry water with you when out and about)
- Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol (these can have a dehydrating effect)
- At home, use fans, coolers or air-conditioning
- Consider going to cooler public places like shopping centres, cinemas or libraries
- Avoid unnecessary physical activity, especially in the middle of the day
- When outside wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and loose, comfortable clothing with long sleeves
- Remember to use SPF30+ sun-screen every two hours!
- Never leave anyone (particularly children or the elderly) in an unattended car (temperatures inside a car can rise to 50 degrees within a few minutes, leading to serious illness or death)
For ACT Health Guide to Summer Safety CLICK HERE