The Department of Health has developed strategies for local government and community service organisations to reduce vulnerability before the summer until after the heatwave.
In addition, strategies on how to protect people from heatwave can be found by visiting HealthyWA (external site). The website has a large range of articles on those at greatest risk of harm from high temperatures such as working safely in hot conditions, heat stress in older people and food safety.
| Before summer |
Immediately prior to a heatwave |
During the heatwave |
Following the heatwave |
Engage with key stakeholders and community members to raise awareness about the risks of extreme heat
|
Instigate consistent community messages through local media or other communication channels
|
Reschedule non-essential events
|
Engage with clients about how they coped during the heatwave
|
Identify established and informal networks to connect and engage with vulnerable groups, including Cultually and Linguistic Diverse and Aboriginal groups
|
Provide consistent heat health messages during client visits, or through telephone calls
|
Increase community messaging through local media and standard communication channels
|
Consider what worked well and what could be improved for future heatwaves
|
Use relevant lists of people who may be at risk of extreme heat that are current E.g. HACC services, Meals on Wheels
|
Update the council website, including additional services being provided during the heatwave
|
Open up air-conditioned cooling centres to allow local residents to get respite from the heat
|
|
Ensure to check the HealthyWA website for information on heatwaves
|
Reschedule services to cooler parts of the day
|
|
|
Produced by
Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit