HEALTH ALERT: Protect yourself against extreme heat

08/02/2024

UPDATE as at 13 February 2024:

ALL CLEAR – The heatwave alert is no longer in place for the Kimberley.

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UPDATE as at 12 February 2024:

THREAT IS REDUCED – Kimberley and Midwest

A severe heatwave warning is still in place for parts of the Kimberley, and an extreme heatwave warning is still in place for parts of the Midwest – people are encouraged to follow health advice.

There have been no further changes for communities in the Wheatbelt and South West.

ALL CLEAR – The heatwave alert is no longer in place for the Great Southern.

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UPDATE as at 12 February 2024: 

An extreme heatwave warning has been issued for parts of the Midwest – those travelling north of Carnarvon are to monitor conditions.

A heatwave alert is still in place even as conditions are expected to ease in the southern districts from today. 

As heatwave conditions ease people are encouraged to follow health advice as there can be residual effects of heat and current high daytime temperatures.

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WA Country Health Service is advising people in the Kimberley, Midwest, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern – including Dampier Peninsula, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Katanning, Manjimup, Margaret River, Mount Barker and Narrogin - to prepare for severe to extreme heat.

A heatwave is forecast in these areas from now for at least three days.

Health safety advice:

  • Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.
  • Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains, or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
  • If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.
  • Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Fluids include water, diluted juice (mixed with water) and low sugar sports drinks.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (including tea, coffee, and energy drinks) as these can increase dehydration.
  • Limit time outdoors. If you need to go outside, try to do so in the early morning or late evening. If you do go outside make sure to put on a hat and sunglasses, apply sunscreen and try to stay in the shade.
  • When outdoors, wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Sleep with just a sheet over you in the coolest part of the house. Remove winter bedding and replace it with lightweight, cotton bedding.
  • Wrap medications needing refrigeration in foil or heat repellent containers with an icepack to keep them cool if there is a power outage.

For information on staying safe during a heatwave visit HealthyWA - Heatwaves and Working Safely in Hot Conditions.
Last Updated: 13/02/2024