Adelaide | South Australians are being reminded to keep cool and hydrated during the expected hot weather over the New Years long weekend.
South Australian State Emergency Service, Deputy Chief Officer, Matt Maywald said it is important that people protect themselves against the sun to avoid dehydration or heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion.
“There are a number of precautions people can take to make sure they stay safe,” said Mr Maywald.
“This includes drinking plenty of water, dressing lightly, staying indoors where possible and making use of air-conditioning or fans.
“If possible, you should avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day (between 11am – 3pm), keep out of the sun and try to spend some time in the shade.
“If you do need to go into the sun, try and do so for limited periods and wear a long sleeved, light coloured shirt, a hat, sun glasses and plenty of sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.
‘It is especially important that the elderly people, babies and children and people who are unwell are protected from the sun, as they are most at risk from the heat.”
SA Ambulance Service A/General Manager of Metropolitan Patient Services, Paul Lemmer reiterated the importance of staying hydrated.
“New Years is a time for celebration but people need to remember that alcoholic or caffeinated drinks increase dehydration, so they need to balance this with plenty of water,” Mr Lemmer said.
“People with ongoing health conditions should also continue to take their medication, stay in touch with family or friends and seek medical help if they start to feel unwell.
“Remember to check up on your elderly or frail relatives and neighbors this weekend to make sure they are ok in the heat and drinking plenty of fluids.
“There are a number of symptoms of heat exhaustion that people should look out for including nausea, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, vomiting, loss of sweating and reduced urine output.
“Anyone experiencing these symptoms that require urgent medical attention in an emergency situation, should call 000.
“Otherwise, people should seek medical attention by contacting their local GP or telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.”
Other tips to beat the heat include:
- Make use of air conditioned public facilities such as shopping centres, cinemas and libraries.
- Keep homes cool by closing blinds and curtains during the day and making good use of fans or air conditioners (which are on the cool setting).
- Be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and if they develop take cool baths or showers and use cool packs or wet towels to cool down.
- Remember that cordless landline telephones do not work during power outages. Make sure you have alternative means of communication.
- Consider the safety of your pets and animals by making sure they have adequate shade and water.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in the car.
For more information about staying healthy in the heat, check out the SES web site www.ses.sa.gov.au or the Extreme Heat guide and heat fact sheets at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
