As temperatures continue to rise, please spare a kind thought for our amazing roofers who endure the hot sun on a near daily basis. Sometimes temperatures are too high to install roofs safely, so in light of this we thought we would raise awareness of how to manage a heatwave and help to prevent a heat-related illness occurring.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. KNOW WHO IS AT RISK
Whilst everyone can be affected by extreme heat, those most at risk are:
- babies and children
- seniors and older people (especially those living alone)
- people with existing medical conditions or taking certain medications
- pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
- people who exercise
- people who work outside
- overseas travellers not used to the heat
- anyone with
- a chronic or mental illness
- a health condition that may impair sweating
- limited or poor mobility.
2. BE PREPARED FOR A HEATWAVE
- Endeavour to make your home or building cooler. This can be done simply by installing awnings and blinds or curtains, make use of cross-flow ventilation where possible, keep the garden healthy, happy and shady.
- Have any air conditioners serviced before the beginning of summer
- If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor for advice about what to do during a heatwave
3. LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH DURING HIGH TEMPERATURES
- Drink water regularly – you’ll need more water on hot days due to increased perspiration.
- Try to stay inside with a fan or air conditioner on
- If you must go outside, try to do so in the early morning or late evening, stay in the shade, wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing, and sun protection
- Don’t do a lot of exercise
- Take frequent cool showers/baths
- Use a water spray mist, cool wet cloth or splash your face and back of your neck with cool water a few times throughout the day
- Don’t forget to monitor your pets!
RESOURCES
For further information:
- Heatwave service – Heatwave assessments and forecasts http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave/
- State tips- more info on signs and symptoms and first aid https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/heatwave.html
Heatwaves can occur during storm season!
Read our Storm Season blogs:
7 Home Hazards to address before Storm Season
A storm is coming: Do you have an emergency kit?
After a storm: “My property is damaged, now what?”
We have also put together a FREE Storm Season E-Book to help you navigate before, during and after a severe storm.
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Updated 13th Jan 2020 to provide most current information.
Image Source: http://barefootenergyconsulting.com.au/australian-heatwaves-getting-hotter/
Image Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/annual-perihelion-event-compounding-heatwave-across-australia/news-story/07e0e094891bbb8a0a3a93a9585ddfb6
