In Queensland we’re lucky to have warm sunny days all-year round, however, our climate comes with its risks, especially in summer. The Bureau of Meteorology has revealed that maximum temperatures between February and April this year are likely to be warmer than median for almost all of Australia, with minimum temperatures also likely to be warmer than median for almost all of Australia. This means it is going to be warmer than usual between February and April in almost all parts of Australia, including Queensland.
Below are some handy tips from Queensland Health to help you stay safe during the warm weather. Visit the Queensland Health hot weather health and safety page for more helpful information and resources.
Be prepared
- Find ways to make your home or building cooler like light coloured window coverings, awnings and shade cloth.
- Have air conditioners serviced before the beginning of summer.
- Ensure you have enough food, medicine and other supplies to avoid going out or if electricity supply is interrupted.
- If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor for advice on how to manage the heat.
- Make a list of family, friends and neighbours you might want to check in on and ensure you have their current contact details.
Drink water regularly
- Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty. If you are on a limited fluid intake check with your doctor.
- Limit intake of alcohol, soft drinks, sports drinks, tea or coffee.
- Eat as you normally would but try to eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit. Avoid heavy protein foods which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.
Keep out of the heat
- Plan your day to keep activity to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.
- If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm). Avoid strenuous activities and gardening.
- Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked cars.
- If you do go out, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.
- Regularly rest in the shade and drink plenty of water.
Stay as cool as possible
- Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home. Block out the sun during the day and keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside.
- Use fans and air-conditioners at home to keep cool, or spend time elsewhere in air-conditioning like a library, community centre, cinema or shopping centre.
- Take frequent cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water.
- Open windows after the Sun has gone down / heat has gone down to allow for air circulation.
- Make sure to stay cool while you sleep. Just because the heat has gone down doesn't mean it isn't still hot.