Coping with a heatwave

About heatwaves

Heatwave warnings are issued by EmergencyWA and are announced on TV and on the EmergencyWA websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new window.

A heatwave is three or more days in a row when both daytime and night-time temperatures are unusually high compared to the local climate and past weather.

Perth recorded nine days in total with maximum temperatures at or above 40 °C in summer 2023-2024. The rising intensity and duration of heatwaves in Western Australia has led to a greater focus on helping the community to prepare, respond and recover well during periods of extreme heat.   

We are working in collaboration with the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) to develop and implement a range of heat interventions as part of the Heat Vulnerability Projectopens in a new window. These interventions will support local residents who are at greater risk to the impacts of high heat. The City of Rockingham is one of three local government pilot sites selected to participate.

Heatwave resources

  • The City of Rockingham is one of three local government pilot sites selected to participate in the Heat Vulnerability Projectopens in a new window to deliver a number of interventions including:

    Energy Ahead partnershipHeatwave workshop.

    In partnership with Energy Ahead, we are delivering a number of Heatwave Ready workshops during November 2024. The workshops will provide information about:

    Workshop information

     

    Activating cool spacesLibrary.

    Visit one of our libraries during a declared heatwave and enjoy a number of free activities on the Heatwave Activity Table. These Activity Tables are suitable for primary school aged children. 

     

     

     

    Home Cooling Subsidy SchemeAirconditioner.

    Eligible residents can purchase home cooling products and receive reimbursement of up to $150. For more information, visit Low income subsidy scheme.

     

     

     

    Keep cool packsDrink bottle, hat, sunscreen, cooling towel and other products.

    We have produced a number of Cool Packs for residents who are at increased risk of the impacts of high heat. 

    These packs will be handed out at community events and via established networks and channels. They will also be available for collection at our libraries

     

     

     


         Heat Vulnerability logo.

    This project is funded by the Australian Government through the support of the WA State Emergency Management Committee.

  • Tips for keeping cool

    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 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.

    Airconditioning control panel.

    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.
  • 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 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.
    • Follow Cancer Council Australia's "Five S's" - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide 
    • opens in a new windowopens in a new window
    • 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. 

    Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

  • 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.

  • Staying healthy in hot times is a community resource produced by the Aboriginal Health Council of WA.

Heatwaves - Are you ready?

  • Understand the warning levels - Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning. These are issued by Emergency WA.
  • Plan ahead for WA’s scorching summer days by following our heatwave tips.
  • Look after your pet in summer to prevent heat stress.
  • Heatwave warnings are issued by Emergency WA and are announced in the media and on the EmergencyWA website.
  • Some residents are at greater risk to the impacts of high heat.
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