Heatwaves Hit North Queensland, Are You Prepared?

This country has some of the most dangerous weather in the world, and the people of beautiful, tropical north Queensland live with it every year. In Australia, the natural disaster that claims the most lives is extreme heat events.

Last week, the temperatures climbed to the high thirties along the eastern coast during the day, receding to the mid-twenties at night. Impacted areas stretched from Port Douglas all the way down to Bundaberg under severe to extreme levels, with the regional surrounding areas listed as low-intensity. With some locals claiming it is regular summer heat, the following advice is to stay safe and avoid heatstroke and burns in this hot, humid season.

Plan your day to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, 11am-3pm, and limit activities to a minimum if you have to be out and about. If you do go out, wear suitable clothing that’s breathable, lightweight, and light-coloured. Also, protect yourself with a wide-brimmed hat and highly rated UV sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly. Make sure to periodically rest in the shade or inside air-conditioned buildings to keep your body's internal temperature low and keep water close at hand.

Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day to keep your fluids up. Drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty, and limit other types of liquids, as severe dehydration can lead to many life-threatening health issues. Eat as you usually would, but avoid heavy protein foods, which raise your body temperature and increase fluid loss. Also, avoid food left out for longer than 2 hours, as the heat can cause it to spoil.  

Stay inside as much as possible during the day, and block out the sun to keep your rooms cool. Use air conditioning or fans to keep cool and circulate the airflow. A car is no substitute for an insulated building, even with windows down or air conditioning on. In this weather, cars absorb heat quickly, effectively turning your vehicle into an oven on wheels. Do not leave children, adults, or animals in parked cars.

If you are in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to provide it with food, water, and appropriate shelter. Some animals can also have heat-related illnesses, so consult a vet about what you can do for your animals during heatwaves. Avoid walking your dogs during the day; stick to early morning or evening walks, as the pavement and roads can burn their paws.

Keep in contact with family and friends, as extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone. Check-in on people who are at risk, including older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and unwell people. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor on how to manage the heat.

Keep enough food, water, and medical supplies in reserve in case your electricity goes out.

Be prepared and stay safe, as temperatures are high and UV is strong in summer. For more advice, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or check out the QLD Government’s website and search ‘Hot weather health and safety’. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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