Tips and resources to stay safe in today's heat in Sydney.
Hot weather can bring health and safety risks for our community.
Extreme heat can cause heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Some people are more vulnerable to these conditions than others, such as babies and children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with pre-existing illnesses.
On those scorching summer days, remember to:
- stay cool and drink water
- enjoy outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day
- keep your home cool by closing curtains and blinds and using a fan or aircon
- check in on your friends and family, especially those at higher risk
Checklist to prepare for the heat
There are things you can do now to prepare for hot weather and other hazardous summer weather, like storms. To help you and your loved ones stay safe, you might want to:
- check that your air conditioners, fans, fridges and freezers are working properly
- make sure you have ice packs and ice cubes in the freezer
- book a doctor’s appointment to chat about how you can best manage your medical condition in the heat
- get an emergency kit ready
- make a list of vulnerable friends and family members who you’d like to check in on during a heatwave
- create an emergency plan that you can print and share with loved ones – we recommend using the Get Prepared app which was created by the Australian Red Cross and NRMA Insurance
- download the Hazards Near Me app to stay up to date about local emergencies
- know the warning signs
Follow SES preparedness tips by maintaining your yard and balcony, cleaning gutters and drains, trimming trees, checking insurance policies, and listening to local weather warnings.
Home too hot?
If you’re struggling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, here are some air-conditioned places you can go:
- Stanton Library
- your local community centre
- museum, art gallery, cinema or shopping centre
- the home of a friend or family member