Heatwaves

Heatwaves are periods of unusually hot weather. As climate change is resulting in more hot and intense heatwaves in Australia, it is important to be aware that heatwaves are our deadliest natural hazard. On this page we will go through some tips on how to stay cool, healthy, and safe during hot weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology now forecasts heatwaves during the warmer months of the year. When in operation the warnings can be found here: Heatwave Service for Australia

 

Preparations

As summer draws closer, it is important to prepare for the warmer months and the potential heatwaves that come along with them. 

  • Check operation, service or install air conditioners or fans in your home. 

  • Check in with friends, family, and neighbours to create a support network and action plan. 

  • If you have a health condition and require medication, check with your doctor to see what to do in warmer weather. 

  • Solar heat gain through windows can raise indoor temperatures. Installing curtains or blinds will help keep your home cooler. 

  • Alternately, you can install external awnings, shutters, or shade sails. 

  • Proper insulation will also aid in reducing indoor temperature when it's hot outside.  

  • Long term heat reduction techniques include painting your roof a light colour to reduce heat absorption, planting out your garden to optimise shade or swapping out hard surfaces for drought tolerant gardens.  

  • If you rely on rainwater, check your tank system is in good order. Clean gutters and consider if you need to invest in more storage. Get the contact details for your local water cartage company in case you need to fill your tanks. 

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Keep cool, stay hydrated

During a heatwave it is important to stay hydrated. 

  • Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty. 

  • If you need to leave home, take a reusable water bottle with you. 

  • Keep your fridge stocked with cold water and the freezer with ice. 

  • Avoid hot, sweet or alcoholic drinks as they can dehydrate you. 

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How to keep cool & prevent yourself from becoming unwell

  • Stay inside and avoid the hottest part of the day. 

  • Limit physical activity to the early morning or later in the evening when it is coolest. 

  • If you need to go outside wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Make sure you wear a hat and apply sunscreen (SPF50+ every 2 hours.) 

  • Close blinds and curtains. 

  • If you have air-conditioning set it to cool and put it on early or utilise fans. If you can't keep the whole house cool, then designate a certain cool room. 

  • If you don't have air-conditioning open windows during the cooler parts of the day and allow ventilation between rooms.  

  • Limit cooking using your oven or stove as these can heat up your home. 

  • Wet skin with a spray bottle or cloth, take a cold shower or bath and put your feet in cold water. 

  • Stock up on non-perishable food items. Planning cool meals rich in fruit and vegetables is also important. 

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Who is most at risk?

Everyone is at risk during extreme heat however it poses a greater threat to the following:

  • Babies and young kids 

  • Pregnant women 

  • Older people 

  • Those who have a chronic illness or take certain medication 

  • People working outdoors 

  • Individuals who live alone or are socially isolated 

  • The homeless community  

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Blackouts

Heatwaves place the electrical grid under great stress which can lead to blackouts. This can occur due to heightened demand, bushfires or involuntary load shedding. Preparing for a potential power outage is important. Here are some items you may want to collect into a blackout emergency kit: 

  • Torch and batteries 

  • Candles and matches 

  • List of key phone numbers  

  • Battery powered radio 

  • First aid kit 

  • Battery pack to charge your mobile phone 

  • Esky and ice 

  • 10L of water per person 

As power outages can disrupt water supplies make sure you have plenty stored at home somewhere easily accessible.  

It is also important to make sure that your car is fuelled up in case you need to leave. If it is parked in a garage, make sure that you can manually open the door. 

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Pets & Wildlife

Pets: 

  • Where possible bring pets indoors on hot days. 

  • Never leave animals in a hot vehicle, garage or shed. 

  • Provide access to cool shady areas. 

  • Never walk your dog on hot pavements, roads or sand. 

  • Leave multiple containers of water in a shady area.  

  • Make sure enclosures are out of direct sunlight.  

  • Some animals will appreciate a frozen water bottle to lean against and regulate their body temperature. 

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Wildlife: 

  • Leaving containers of water in cool places around your garden will be greatly appreciated by local wildlife. Consider smaller insects and animals may need a shallow dish with rocks in it so they don't drown. Place containers in sheltered areas such as under a small bush where the animal will feel safe from predators.  

  • Being mindful to watch water restrictions, you can create a cool refuge by watering down a section of your garden to create a cool, damp haven for visiting animals. 

  • It is recommended not to disturb animals recovering in your garden and it is not advisable to feed them.  

  • However, if you have recognised that an animal is not well, suffering from heat stress and may require help, then please contact WIRES Mid North Coast 

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Cooling Centers

If you or someone you know is unable to keep cool at home, then there are a few options of places to go to cool down.  

Indoor spaces, out of direct sunshine that have air-conditioning, are a great place to regulate your body temperature and stay relaxed. In the Bellingen shire some good options include: 

  • Bellingen Library  

Open Tuesday – Saturday  

39 Hyde St, 
Bellingen NSW 2454 

(02) 6655 1744   

 

  • Dorrigo Library  

Open Tuesday – Saturday 

1 Pine Street, Dorrigo NSW 2453   

(02) 6657 2234 

 

  • Urunga Library  

Open Tuesday – Saturday  

32 Bonville St, Urunga NSW 2455 

(02) 66556444 

 

Submerging yourself in cool water is a great way to bring your body temperature down. Local pools provide a great place to cool down during a heatwave, for updates check out our page: Swimming pools of Bellingen Shire

Alternately the Bellingen River or Never Never Creek provide a refreshing place to take a dip. It is recommended to check the water conditions first and take the necessary sun protection.  

Check the latest water conditions here: Beachwatch Program of Bellingen Shire

If you are happy to go further afield to keep cool, then heading out of the Bellingen Shire can be a good option. Going to the movies, shopping centres or indoor entertainment zones are something to consider. 

 

 

After the Heatwave has passed

  • Continue to keep your fluid intake up  

  • Check in with friends, family and neighbours to see how they faired. 

  • Open your house up to allow cool air inside. 

  • Consider what tactics you could utilise, so you can cope better next time there is a heatwave.  

  • Make any changes to your home so it will keep you more comfortable next time there is hot weather. 

  • Get plenty of rest and if you start to feel unwell, consult your local doctor. 

 

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