Heatwaves

When the weather is hot, we all need to take care that we do not become dehydrated or overheat.

Heatwaves can also bring higher fire danger. Stay up-to-date on current emergency warnings and information on the TasALERT website:

You can also prepare for upcoming danger using the Tasmania Fire Service's (TFS) four day Fire Danger Rating forecast.

Important contacts

In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero - 000

The Department of Health website provides a detailed guide of how to protect yourself before, during and after extreme heat:

If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor for advice on how to manage the heat.
Think of simple ways to make your home or building cooler, such as installing window coverings, shade cloths or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun.
Have air conditioners serviced before the beginning of summer.
Stock up on food, water and medicines so you don't have to go out in the heat.
Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature.

Stay hydrated - drink two to three litres of water each day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Dress light - lighter clothing helps your body stay cool. Light-coloured clothing reflects heat and sunlight.
Check on family, friends and neighbours especially those most at risk such as the elderly and young children.
Stay out of the sun or take shelter. If you need to be out in the sun, wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunburn will affect your body's ability to cope with the heat.
Draw your curtains, blinds and awnings at the start of the day to keep as much sun out of your home as possible.
Seek air conditioning - if you don't have air conditioning at home, spend the day somewhere that does such as a library, cinema or shopping centre. If you do have an air conditioner at home, make sure it has been serviced. Fans will also help you stay cool.
Make sure your pets have plenty of shade and enough cool water to last the entire day. Hose them down or put ice cubes in their bowl. Check on them regularly.
Don't leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

If you or those close to you are suffering heat stress, call for help immediately.
Symptoms of heat stress include extremely heavy sweating, headache and vomiting, confusion, swollen tongue.
All life-threatening situations should be reported by calling 000.

You should continue to check on family, friends and neighbours, particularly those most at risk.
It's also important that you keep drinking water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Also, be careful around trees - they often drop limbs when it is hot.