Heatwaves are Australia’s most deadly natural hazard causing more deaths than bushfire, flood and storms combined.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, however those most at risk include:

• People 65 years and over
• Babies and infants (0 - 4 years)
• People living alone
• People living with a disability or unable to care for themselves
• People living with a medical condition (e.g. diabetes, heart disease or mental illness)
• People experiencing homelessness
• Outdoor workers
• Pets

Heatwaves can also cause major disruptions to infrastructure we depend on for day-to-day activities including:

• Power outages (blackouts)
• Disruptions to transport - train delays 
• Disruptions to telecommunications - mobile phone coverage
• Extended power outages can disrupt mains water, electronic payment systems, and fuel pumps at petrol stations.

As summers become hotter, it is important to understand heat risks and be prepared for impacts heatwave may have on yourself and loved ones.

How could heatwave affect you? Below are a few questions to help you prepare.

• Who would you be most worried about during a heatwave?
• What would you do if you were delayed getting home due to transport breakdown?
• What would you do in a blackout?
• Where could you go if home gets too hot? How would you get there?
• What would you do with pets?
• Do you know how heat affects your health or medications?
• How would you manage without mobile phone coverage?

Heat Smart community resources

Western Sydney councils and the Western Sydney Local Health District have developed a suite of resources to assist communities be better prepared for heatwaves and extreme heat. Including:

• General advice for people with medical conditions or over 65 years of age
• Advice for parents of young children and babies
• Tips for keeping your home cooler in summer.

Heat Smart: Be safe during extreme heat	Heat Smart: Keep babies and children safe	Heat Smart: 10 tips for a cooler home

Translated versions of the above resources can be downloaded via the below links:

Heat Smart: Arabic  العربية

Heat Smart: Farsi  فارسی

Heat Smart: Hindi  डिन्दी

Heat Smart: Korean  한국어

Heat Smart: Serbian  Cрпски

Heat Smart: Simplified Chinese  简体中文

Heat Smart: Tamil  தமிழ்

Heat Smart: Vietnamese  Tiếng Việt

Further information:

Health Direct 24 hour helpline: 1800 022 222

Breast feeding helpline: 1800 686 268 or call 1311450 for in-language advice

Emergency warnings: ABC Radio Sydney 702AM

Help paying energy bills: 13 77 88 or www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au 

Further information on planning for emegencies, visit the Australian Red Cross website www.redcross.org.au/prepare 

If you have questions about these resources, or would like printed copies, please get in touch with WSROC on 02 9671 4333 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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