Coping and Staying Well in Extreme Heat Conditions
With the hotter weather months upon us, it's an opportune time to be reminded of steps we can all take to stay cool and mitigate the potential serious and sometimes even fatal health effects.
While the Northern Territory (NT) has naturally warm to hot weather, heat health warnings indicate that conditions have exceeded normal levels and the community needs to take personal action to protect themselves and others.
Even the most acclimatised NT residents can be affected by heat stress, with an increased body temperature posting a potentially serious threat to human health.
Extreme heat can be deadly – heatwaves already cause more deaths than any other natural hazard.
The people most likely to be affected by extreme heat conditions include children, people aged over 65 years, people living alone, people living in housing without adequate cooling or ventilation, people who are socially isolated, people who have chronic health conditions and people who are taking medications that affect the body’s ability to regulate heat. Pets and animals can also be impacted by heat stress.
In response to heat health warnings, the community should:
- Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
- Stay hydrated by drinking cold or iced water
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat, light loose clothing and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Plan ahead and monitor for heat health warnings
- Know the signs of heat stress and help others
- Look after those most at risk including children and older people, as well as pets.
Symptoms of heat stress include:
- Tiredness and lethargy
- Headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion leading to poor decision making
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling thirsty
- Urinating less often.
People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice. If they are worried, they should call triple zero (000) immediately.
For more information, visit: nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress
To monitor NT heat health warnings, visit: facebook.com/NTGovHealth