Days of extreme heat and heatwaves are a period of unusually hot weather that can worsen medical conditions or cause potentially fatal health problems, like heatstroke.
Extreme heat can affect everyone, however those more at risk are people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems, and people who are socially isolated.
Extreme heat can also affect community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport) and other services.
Heat health warning
Early warning systems provide an early notification of forecasts of extreme heat and heatwaves to help with preparedness and planning.
Planning for extreme heat and heatwaves
Heat plans help government, organisations, and the health sector support members of the community who are most at risk during a heatwave.
Extreme heat - information for clinicians
Health professionals have a key role in preventing and managing heat-related health problems.
Extreme heat campaign toolkit
A suite of communication resources to encourage and educate individuals and the community to be aware of the impact of extreme heat on human health.
Research and reports - extreme heat and heatwaves
The department has funded several heatwave research projects, which are important for understanding the effects of heatwaves on communities. Two heatwaves - in January 2009 and January 2014 - have also been reported on.
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