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Heatwaves

Heatwaves are more than just hot weather. When it’s hot during the day and it doesn’t cool down at night, it’s very hard for your body to cool itself down.

Heatwaves also bring risks to your health and wellbeing, and anyone can be affected. Keep an eye on your loved ones who have existing health conditions because they can become ill very quickly during heatwaves.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and climate related disasters.

How to prepare for a heatwave

Cooling systems: Make sure any cooling systems you have in your home are working effectively. Do this by cleaning the filters and air vents and make sure your air conditioners are set to cool.

Stay connected: Have a chat with a neighbours, relatives and friends to keep in contact during extreme heat. Make sure you exchange phone numbers with them.

Plan your day around the heat: Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library-even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Supplies: Make sure you have supplies of food and other items you use regularly to last up to a week so you do not have to go out in the heat unless absolutely necessary.

Pets: If you have fury friends they can particularly be vulnerable to the heat. Ensure they have access to shade and an ample supply of cool water, and make certain that you have enough food to last them for a week.

Resources available

As the frequency and intensity of heat waves continue to rise globally, being prepared is crucial to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.

The following organisations have resources available to help people navigate and cope with extreme heat events.

SA Health

SA Health provide advice on how to manage extreme weather, tips on staying cool and symptoms to look for.

Red Cross

The Red Cross Simple provide information on steps you can take to help when the weather heats up. Learn how to stay cool, avoid risks and identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

SES

During the summer months SES will issue a Heatwave Forecast after 4 pm each day. In addition to the heatwave forecasts there is a SES Heatwave Summary available in a table format.

Visit the SES website to view heatwave safety tips for before, during and after a heatwave.

State government

The Medical Heating and Cooling Concession assists South Australians on a fixed or low income who have a clinically verified medical condition which requires the frequent use of heating or cooling in the home to prevent the severe worsening of their condition. Visit the sa.gov.au website below to find out more information.

RSPCA

The RSPCA provide some key tips on caring for your animals during times when the weather is hot.

How council can help

The City of Marion's Community Centres, Libraries and the Marion Outdoor Pool provide cool refuge from the heat.

What council are doing to address climate change

Climate change is a vital issue for our community. The City of Marion works with our community in response to the risks and opportunities posed by climate change and to enable climate change resilience into the future

The primary objectives of Marion are:

Mitigation and adaption:
To incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation into strategic and operational activity, and when exercising statutory responsibilities and regulatory powers.

Support our community:
To support residents, businesses, and local ecosystems to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

Collaboration:
To work in collaboration with regional partners and the wider community to mitigate against climate change.