SA Pandemic Influenza Operational Plan
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Heatwave
What is a heatwave?
A period of very hot weather lasting several days but that can sometimes last much longer during which temperatures average more than 38 degrees Centigrade.
Causes of heatwave
Slow moving warm fronts during the hottest months of the year.
Likely impact of heatwave
A range of human disorders, including unusual discomfort, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or, more seriously, heat stroke (hyperthermia).
Warnings
- Very hot periods can often be forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology.
- The very old and the very young are most at risk; however, people with alcohol, weight or health problems or those on medication with a dehydrating effect are also vulnerable.
- Heatwaves can lead to disasters. In 1939 a heatwave in southern Australia caused 438 deaths and seriously affected many thousands.
- Can cause expensive livestock/crop losses and damage roads, electrical equipment, railways and bridges.
Emergency action: heatwave
Before
- Ensure your home can be kept cool. Consider the use of curtains, shutters and awnings for the sunny side of the home.
- Consider installing an air-conditioner.
- Plan vigorous external home maintenance activities during the cooler months.
- Review your knowledge of first-aid for heat stress symptoms and treatment.
During
- Wear lightweight, light coloured, loose, porous natural fibre clothes.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Drink two to three litres of water a day, even if not thirsty.
- Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated (soft) drinks.
- Don't take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Avoid heavy protein foods (meat, dairy products) which increase body heat and fluid loss.
- Use curtains, shutters and awnings on the sunny side of your home and open windows at night.
- If you have no airconditioning, use fans, damp clothing and have frequent cool showers.
- Spend as much time in air-conditioned buildings (shopping centres, galleries, museums).
- Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat and sunscreen as sunburn limits your ability to cope with heat.
- If you have to work outside, keep your hat and clothing damp.
- Discourage the very young and the very old from going outside during hot days.
- Closely observe those with you if they suffer from the heat. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Don't leave children, the aged or pets in parked vehicles.
- Keep animals in the shade, with plenty of water.
After
- Review how you endured during the heatwave and consider what steps you might take to cope better next time.
- Learn more
- First-aid treatment can be learned from a range of sources.
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the major heatwave disorders.
- Symptoms: Heat exhaustion -- profuse sweating; cold, clammy, pale skin; fatigue, weakness and restlessness; headache and vomiting; weak but rapid pulse; poor coordination; normal temperature but faintness.
- Symptoms: Heatstroke -- Confusion, headache, nausea, dizziness; skin flushed, hot and unusually dry; dry, swollen tongue; high body temperature (40 degrees Centigrade plus); rapid, strong pulse at first, then weaker; deep unconscious may develop rapidly.
Contacts
Australian Red Cross (South Australia)
207-217 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000
(GPO Box 2265, Adelaide SA 5001)
Telephone: 08 8100 4500
Facsimile: 08 8100 4501
redcross@sa.redcross.org.au
Emergency Management Australia
PO Box 1020
DICKSON ACT 2602
Ph: (02) 6256 4600
http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/EMA/emaSchools.nsf/D2801B61EABE80A2CA256809001328BA/F1ECE7EF7A67EE22CA256C5D00067779
Email: ema@ema.gov.au
