Heatwave | Get Ready Queensland

Heatwaves have taken more lives and caused more adverse health outcomes than any other natural hazard in Australia.

Queensland is experiencing an increase in the frequency and duration of heat waves, including higher humidity and higher overnight temperatures.

Learn what you can do to stay safe during these conditions.

What is a heatwave?

The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as 3 or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location.

In Australia, heatwaves usually range from 37°C to 42°C. Check out the Bureau of Meteorology’s video below to learn more about heatwaves and why they occur.

Understand your risk

Heatwaves can impact anyone. However, there are members in our community who are particularly vulnerable and need to take special care during heat waves. This includes:

babies and young people
elderly
pregnant and breastfeeding people
people with medical conditions such as asthma or those on certain medications
pets, and
people who work in the outdoors and atheletes.

If you are in one of these vulnerable categories, or care for someone who is, it is important to follow a few simple steps to reduce your risk to stay cool and hydrated during heat waves.

Get Ready for Heatwave

Get your home Ready for heatwave

•Storing cool packs in the fridge or freezer and making ice cubes • Filling spray bottles with cool water to use on your face and body • Checking fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners work well • Stocking up on food and drinking water • Creating cool rooms and cross breezes in your house • Protecting windows from the sun by using blinds or curtains

Pack an emergency kit in case the power goes out

This could include a torch, batteries, portable phone charger, candles, matches, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.

Understand how to manage your medical condition by asking your doctor

• If your medical condition will be affected by extreme heat • How much water you should drink in hot weather, especially if you normally need to limit the amount you drink • How your medications could affect your health in the heat

Store enough medication at the right temperature.

Know who you will check on

This might be neighbours, friends, relatives and those who live alone.

Monitor the weather

You can use the Bureau of Meteorology Heatwave Service at bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave - Be aware of overnight and maximum daytime temperatures and how long the heatwave has gone for.