Coping with a heatwave

Heatwave resources

• Plan ahead for WA’s scorching summer days. We’ve sourced some of the information below from the Healthy WA Prepare for a heatwaveopens in a new windowopens in a new window website:

  Household appliance checks 

  • Check your fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.
  • Set your air conditioners to the ‘cool’ setting.
  • If you need to service or replace your air conditioner or fan, do so before summer.

  

  Shading home windows 

  • Keep your windows closed and shut all the blinds and curtains - especially windows that face west.
  • Consider external awnings or blinds, shutters, shade cloth or other material to prevent the sun shining on the window.
  • If possible, insulate your house or consider doubel glazed windows to help keep it cool in summer and warm in winter.

  Other home and personal item checks

  • Have a small emergency kit ready containing a torch, batteries, candles, matches, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.
  • Ensure you have enough drinking water.
  • Stock up on food for your household and pets, and medicines to last up to a week so you don’t have to go out in a heatwave.
  • Keep cool packs in the fridge or freezer to help you cool down.
  • Fill spray bottles with cool water to spray on your face and body.
  • Wrap medications needing refrigeration in foil or heat-repellent containers with an icepack to keep them cool if there is a power outage.
  • Keep electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops charged.
  • Keep in regular contact with family, friends and neighbours.

  See also

  • WA Government Electricity Credit
  • WA Government Hardship Utility Grant
  • Make an energy subsidy enquiry

• It’s important to keep your temperature down and stay cool during heatwaves.

  We’ve sourced some of the information below from the Healthy WA during a heatwaveopens in a new windowopens in a new window website to stay cool:

  • Stay out of the sun. Plan your day and limit time outdoors - avoid being in the heat between 11am - 5pm and check the Sunsmart Global UV App.opens in a new window
  • Follow Cancer Council Australia's "Five S's" - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide 
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  • Limit physical activity, like household chores or exercise, to early in the morning when it is coolest.
  • Keep hydrated by drinking water, diluted juice (with water) and low sugar sports drinks.
  • Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton.
  • Take cool showers or baths or put your feet in cool water.
  • If you must go outside, apply sunscreen, wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses and take water with you.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (including tea, coffee an energy drinks) as these can increase dehydration. 

  

• If you don’t have airconditioning, or need a place to stay cool other than your home, visit one of the City’s airconditioned venues:

  • Escape the heat and visit one of our cool libraries.
  • The Rockingham Arts Centre is a cool space to view art exhibitions at any time of the year.
  • The Rockingham Youth Centre offers a a safe, cool space for young people aged 12-24 to drop in and talk with a Youth Officer, access a PC or WiFi.
  • The City's aquatic venues are also great alternatives. 
  • The Autumn Centre offers a safe and social environment for seniors, with regular schedule of activities on offer.
  • Visit a shopping centre in the City of Rockingham, with the main centres located in Baldivis, Rockingham, Warnbro and Secret Harbour.
  • Seek shade in one of our parks and reserves that are located near the coastline to take advantage of the sea breeze.

• It’s important to make sure your pets are safe during hot weather and heatwaves. Consider the following to help keep your animals safe:

  • Avoid exercising your pet in the hottest part of the day or walking on hot surfaces (paws are sensitive and can easily burn). Check the heat of the ground you are walking on with the back of your hand.
  • Never leave pets unattended in a car — even when the car is in the shade and the windows are open.
  • Bring your pets inside or in a well-ventilated area with clean water and shade. Fill at least two bowls with water in case one is knocked over.
  • Do not leave your pet’s food outside in the heat. If they do not eat it straight away, cover the food and put it in the fridge for later.
  • Know the signs of heat stress in animals – if your pet is showing signs like drooling, lethargy, weakness, sweating or muscle tremors move them to a cooler place and try to get them to drink water (you could also stand your pet in cool water up to its belly).
  • Seek urgent medical attention for your pet from a vet if symptoms do not ease.

• Vergeside trees provide canopy and shade, while also improving air quality and providing a natural habitat for local wildlife.

  Under the City's Urban Greening Plan, you can request a street tree for free which will be planted by City Officers during winter.