AH&MRC participated in the recent NSW Health Emergency Management Forum and the NSW Health State Preparedness and Response unit update – it is clear from these discussions that communities across NSW need to prepare for a hot and wet summer. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecasted increased risks of heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding. We know that ACCHO’s play a key role in supporting community safety and sharing timely information.
Keep up to date on weather forecast and weather warnings here.
Heat Safety
Babies, young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers—are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Stay cool: Use fans, wet skin with cool water, apply cool packs or damp towels on the neck and shoulders.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water.
- Plan ahead: Prepare for power outages and ensure safe storage of food and medications.
- For infants: Avoid covering prams with dry fabrics; use a moist covering instead.
- Energy tip: Combine fans with air conditioning set at 27°C—this feels 4°C cooler and can cut electricity use by up to 76%.
Useful tips to Beat the Heat are available on the NSW Health website and more tips on staying cool are available here.
Bushfire and Smoke Preparedness
- Shareadvice on smoke’s health impact: Protect yourself from bushfire smoke
- Discuss updating health action plans particularly Asthma Action Plans and COPD Action Plans.
- Check local air quality levels regularly using the NSW Air Quality website and adjust activities accordingly.
Other Resources
Useful links: Emergency Response Resources – AH&MRC.
Use this practical tool to support planning for emergencies: AH&MRC Emergency Activation Framework & Appendix.
Email publichealth@ahmrc.org.au for further advice on accessing resources.
