Being prepared and having a plan can save lives, particularly amongst at-risk communities.

Community organisations are uniquely placed to contribute to heatwave preparedness, response and resilience.

Local knowledge, community connections and trust allow local organisations to have meaningful conversations about heat safety and, where possible, offer practical advice and support.

This guide will help your organisation develop a basic heatwave plan and identify ways to support staff and clients to ensure they are safe.This Toolkit is part of the Heat Smart Western Sydney program which seeks to build Western Sydney’s resilience to heatwaves with a focus on at-risk communities.

Heat Smart Western Sydney was delivered by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) in partnership with Blacktown City Council, Cumberland City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Liverpool City Council, City of Parramatta Council, Penrith City Council, the Western Sydney Local Health District, and consultancy Risk Frontiers.

WSROC also thanks Resilient Sydney, South Western Sydney Local Health District, and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District for their ongoing support.

Heat Smart Western Sydney has been funded under the State Government Natural Disaster Resilience Program.