HEALTH ALERT: Protect yourself against extreme heat

Current as at: 16:01pm, Tuesday 3 November 2026. Heatwave ADVICE – PREPARE NOW

WA Country Health Service is advising people in the Pilbara including locations between Roebourne and Wickham, to Karratha and Dampier to prepare for extreme heat.

A heatwave is likely to affect this area for at least three days.

People travelling in this area should be prepared for extreme heat.

Health safety advice:

• 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.
• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Tell elderly neighbours and other vulnerable people about the hot weather coming.
• 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.
• 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 ad 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.
• Charge mobile devices in the event there is a power outage.
• Get a battery powered radio with working batteries.
• Make sure you have shelter ready and water for pets and other animals.
• Never leave a person or a pet in a closed car.

For information on staying safe during a heatwave visit Heatwaves – be prepared for extreme heat and Working safely in hot conditions - WorkSafe – LGIRS