This blog was updated 16 November 2025.
Summer in Australia can bring long periods of extreme heat, with temperatures climbing into the high 30s and 40s across many parts of the country. Heatwaves often start in Western Australia and then move across to South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, affecting cities such as Adelaide, Canberra and Western Sydney.
During these times, it is important to keep an eye on weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and local news so you know when heatwave conditions are expected in your area.
In very hot weather, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common, especially for older people and those with existing health conditions, so it is vital to remember these quick tips to stay safe in the heat.
Keep Your Home Cool
Make sure your home is as cool as possible. Ensure you draw your curtains, blinds and awnings to keep the sun out. Make your home even cooler by keeping fans and air-conditioning running.
If you don’t have air-conditioning at home, spend time somewhere else that does, such as at a family member or a friend’s house, or even at the library or shopping centre.
Keep a Close Eye on Loved Ones
The young, elderly, sick, and pregnant are those most prone to sickness during heatwaves. Whether they are a part of your family, your friend, neighbour, or a distant relative, it’s crucial to keep an eye on those at risk whenever possible to make sure they are okay.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe in extreme heat. Aim to drink two to three litres of water every day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Additionally, avoid alcohol, caffeine and high sugar drinks, as these beverages actually make you more dehydrated than they do hydrated!
Wear Light Clothing
The ideal clothing to wear in hot weather is light, loose cotton clothing. Try to avoid dark-coloured clothing, as they will absorb heat rather than reflect it away as light-coloured clothing does.
Know the Symptoms of Heat Stress
Without proper medical attention, heat stress can result in serious consequences, such as heat stroke, or death. Therefore, it is critical to know the symptoms of heat stress, so that you can be prepared in these situations.
Symptoms include:
- Excessive heavy sweating
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Swollen tongue
Stay in the Shade
When you are out and about, make sure you seek shade away from the sun and avoid hot, closed spaces whenever possible. Additionally, try to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, between 10am and 3pm.
If you need to be in the sun, wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Not only will this protect you from the sun, but will prevent sunburn, which in turn reduces your ability to cope with heat.
At APERS, we understand that keeping your loved ones safe is the most important thing in the world.
For more information about our personal medical alarms, please call us on 1300 852 148 or send us a form enquiry via our contact us page.
