What is a heatwave?
What is a heatwave, how it differs from hot weather and where you can find more information
Healthy In The Heat
Everyone is at risk of heat-related illness during hot weather and heatwaves. Some groups of people – such as babies and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic health conditions – are more at risk than others.
Follow these simple steps to stay healthy in the heat:
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay cool with a fan or air-conditioner
- Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day
- Keep curtains, blinds and windows closed during the day to keep your home cool
- Cool off with a shower or bath
- Look out for family, friends and the elderly
- Check the weather forecast so you know when hot weather is coming
- If you go outside during the day, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved and light-coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses and SPF30+ or higher sunscreen.
Find more information on how to stay healthy in the heat under the topics below.
- What is a heatwave?
- Heat-related illness signs, symptoms and treatment
- How to prepare yourself for hot weather
- Heatwaves during pregnancy
- Babies, children and teenagers during heatwaves
- Older people and heatwaves
- People with chronic or mental health conditions during heatwaves
- Looking after pets during heatwaves
- Exercise, sleeping, drinking water and food safety during heatwaves
- What to do after the hot weather has passed
- Emergency and helpful contacts during a heatwave
- Further information and research on heatwaves
- Fact sheets and resources, including translated fact sheets
Power dependency
If you rely on power for critical care medical equipment or pharmacy-dispensed medication - develop an emergency management plan.
