NT Health is taking action to help Territorians beat the heat, with unusually high maximum temperatures set to occur from now until March 2025.
NT Health uses the Australian Warning System (AWS) to inform the community about extreme heat conditions in response to heatwaves.
Heat health warnings are issued when certain heatwave triggers have been met:
· Extreme heat health warnings: issued when temperatures for a three day period are considered extremely hot for that location. Typically, these temperatures will range from the low to mid-forties, with the overnight temperature in the mid to high-twenties, providing minimal relief.
· Severe heat health warnings: issued when temperatures for a three day period are considered hotter than usual for that location. Typically, these temperatures will range from the high-thirties to low-forties, with the overnight temperature in the mid-twenties.
While the Northern Territory (NT) has naturally warm to hot weather, heat health warnings indicate that conditions have exceeded normal levels and the community needs to take personal action to protect themselves and others.
Even the most acclimatised NT residents can be affected by heat stress, with an increased body temperature having potentially serious or even fatal affects.
Extreme heat can be deadly - heatwaves already cause more deaths than any other natural hazard.
The people most likely to be affected by extreme heat conditions include children, people aged over 65 years, people living alone, people living in housing without adequate cooling or ventilation, people who are socially isolated, people who have chronic health conditions and people who are taking medications that affect the body's ability to regulate heat. Pets and animals can also be impacted by heat stress.
In response to heat health warnings, the community should:
· Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
· Stay hydrated by drinking cold or iced water
· Wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat, light loose clothing and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen
· Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
· Plan ahead and monitor for heat health warnings
· Know the signs of heat stress and help others
· Look after those most at risk including children and older people, as well as pets.
Symptoms of heat stress include:
· Tiredness and lethargy
· Headache
· Dizziness or fainting
· Confusion leading to poor decision making
· Muscle cramps
· Feeling thirsty
· Urinating less often.
People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice. If they are worried, they should call triple zero (000) immediately.
