Heatwaves are defined as being three or more days of unusually high temperatures in any area.
Heatwaves can affect people, animals, infrastructure (such as the power supply) and support services.
Stay healthy in hot weather:
- wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, natural-fibre clothes
- avoid strenuous activities and vigorous exercise
- drink two to three litres of water per day, even if you are not thirsty
- avoid alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks
- keep your home cool with curtains, shutters or awnings
- wear a hat and sunscreen in the sun
- monitor animals and pets for heat stress
- never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short period of time
- see a doctor if you feel ill as heat-related illness can be fatal.
Heat-related illness
Heat-related illness occurs when your body absorbs too much heat. This may happen slowly over a day or two of very hot weather.
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a confidential phone service that can give you health advice. You can call and talk to a registered nurse 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
For more information on heat-related illness, please visit the Queensland Health website.