Code Red as state heats up again
The South Australian Government has declared a Code Red as the state begins to tackle another heatwave.
Across the state, temperatures will hit the high 30s to low 40s, giving the majority of South Australia six to seven days of high heat.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Code Red would allow people who were at high risk access extra services to cope with the heat.
“In response to predicted very high temperatures over the coming week, the State Government has put in place a state-wide Code Red response from today until Saturday March 2,” Ms Lensink said.
“I urge all South Australians this week to check on the community, particularly the vulnerable, including the elderly, people with disability or mental illness or who might be housebound.”
The heat can affect everyone, but most susceptible are babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who are sick or unwell.
At this time a cooler change will come into effect on Sunday, but only in the temperature range of high 20s to low 30s.
The Country Fire Service is also reminding people there is still a very high fire danger throughout the state as vegetation is dry and would easily fuel a fire.
The Service is also asking people to be prepared to also act on theirbushfire action plan as temperatures soar.
To learn about fire bans or for more information visit the CFS website, www.cfs.sa.gov.au
How to keep cool
- Stay indoors as much as possible and turn on fans and air conditioners early to stop the heat from building up in the home
- Keep blinds down, curtains shut and the home as dark as possible
- Drink two to three litres of water, even if you are not thirsty – carry a water bottle if you go out
- Avoid fizzy, alcoholic or caffeinated drinks
- Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing made from natural fibres
- Regularly check on the very young, older people and those who are unwell
- Use cool packs and wet towels on the body
- Take cool baths or showers
- Never leave children or pets alone in a car
- Make sure pets and animals have shade and water as well
To continue monitoring the weather you can visit the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au and for further information about extreme heat visit www.sa.gov.au/extremeheat
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as three or more days of unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures in any area.