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MEDIA RELEASE 14 December 2023
Beat the heat and stay safe this summer
With temperature expected to spike this weekend, residents across the Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay areas are urged to stay safe in the heat and avoid heat-related illness.
Country to Coast, QLD Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said hot weather can place great physical stress on the body and it was important to take steps to beat the heat as early as possible.
‘Our beautiful region is broad and diverse with many different microclimates, but it’s clear everyone will feel the heat this weekend with temperatures forecast for the mid-to-high 30s,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘Extreme heat can affect anyone, with heat-related illness varying from relatively mild heat exhaustion to the potentially life-threatening condition of heat stroke.
‘Many people may not realise that of all types of extreme weather, heatwaves contribute to more deaths in Australia than any other natural disaster.
‘Those most at risk are older people, infants and young children, people who live alone and people with a medical condition.
To help minimise the risk of heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of water and remember to carry some with you when out and about.
- Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings (shopping centres, libraries, cinemas or community centres).
- Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.
- Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and linen.
- Avoid intense activity like exercise, renovating and gardening.
- Watch or listen to news reports for more information.
- Don’t forget your pets – give them a cool bath, wet towel to lie on, a place next to a fan and plenty of fresh water (even add some ice cubes) work just as well for animals.
Signs of heat-related illness include nausea, vomiting, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, lack of sweating and reduced urine output.
‘If you or someone you know is showing severe signs of heat-related illness, seek urgent medical attention from your GP or the emergency department at the nearest hospital,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘Residents in Bundaberg or Rockhampton that need urgent medical attention due to heat-related illness can also visit recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in those cities.
‘I know people are busy in the lead-up to Christmas, but I urge everyone to check in on elderly neighbours and to look out for other vulnerable members of the community.
‘I also cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure children and pets are not left alone in cars. They can quickly become distressed and seriously ill in a matter of minutes.
‘By being prepared and taking simple precautions, we can all reduce the risk of heat-related illness during these periods of prolonged high temperatures,’ Ms Sturgess said.
Learn more about heat health impacts - Hot weather health and safety | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Ange Baldwin | 0455 721 483
communications@c2coast.org.au
About Country to Coast, QLD
Country to Coast, QLD is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to building healthy, connected and resilient communities across the Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions. We deliver the Australian Government’s PHN Program and partner with health providers and the community to design and commission quality primary care services.
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