The table below will help you identify whether you or someone else may be experiencing the effects of heat and how to help. Symptoms First aid • feeling tired, dizzy, weak, muscle cramps or having trouble concentrating
• If you think you or a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help, call 000. • Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment. • Get the person into shade or indoors. • Remove excess clothing. • If using a work vehicle, place the person in an airconditioned cool vehicle, out of direct sunlight. • Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool tub of water or shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and between the legs • a person may sip cool water if their symptoms are mild but check with emergency services if symptoms are more severe.
• confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma. • alteration in sweating: Heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. Heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist. • nausea and vomiting • flushed, red skin • rapid and shallow breathing • racing heart rate • headache, throbbing head • high body temperature 40 degrees Celsius or above
Bushfires and other emergencies Whether working at home, having a staycation or holidaying in other parts of Australia, preparing for bushfires is essential. Unusual weather patterns throughout 2022 will result in some areas having increased risk of fire and others have reduced risk. For further information see Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2022. The Bureau of Meteorology announced a third La Niña event in a row with an increasing risk of rain and flooding over the coming months into early 2023. If your home is in a bush or grass fire zone, take the following steps to stay safe: Prepare now by: • Clearing around your property by removing debris, long grass, leaves, clear gutters. • Pack an emergency kit including emergency items to survive a fire whilst on the road. • Know your closest bushfire safer place, or bushfire place of last resort. • Grassfires can travel at 25km/h (you can’t outrun them). So, if you are in a grass fire zone, understand how to stay safe. Plan: • Complete a bushfire plan and share it with your family and friends. • Plan for all your pets and animals. • All staff who work from home who are in bushfire zones, must have a bushfire plan. Stay informed: • Check fire danger ratings daily and stay informed using state emergency apps or websites to identify the level of fire risks in your area or in areas you are travelling to or through. These apps will also warn you about the location of floods and traffic issues.
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