If you live in Australia, you already know the drill in January: one minute it’s “nice weather,” the next your steering wheel turns to lava.
Heatwaves Down Under aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
So whether you’re braving the scorcher at home or heading down to the beach- here is one foolproof way to ensure you won’t end up as a human puddle over the next few weeks.
What states will the Aussie heatwave hit?
The heatwave is set to strike Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales who can all expect temperatures of about 40C.
Major cities aren’t safe either, with Adelaide and Melbourne tipped to reach 41C also.
The heat is set to climb in northwest Victoria from Wednesday, with the temperature gauge forecast to reach 45C on Thursday… yikes.
Heatwave warnings have also been issued for Victoria, NSW, WA, SA, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned: “Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.”
How to keep adults safe during a heatwave
Adults tend to push through the heat without realising how quickly dehydration and heat exhaustion can kick in.
Here are a few tips to avoid those situations occurring:
Hydrate:
Keep water within arm’s reach at all times and continuously sip throughout the day.
If you feel yourself getting light-headed then sit down, take a breather, and down a glass of water!
Limit peak hour exposure:
Avoid outdoor activity between late morning and early evening where possible- these are the hottest hours of the day.
Light clothing:
Linen, cotton, and loose clothing helps to cool you down and regulate body temperatures.
Portable fan:
A good fan is worth its weight in gold during these times, and the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan is a bargain when it comes to its power!
Aside from cooling down the air with a strong airflow, it also can spray a fine mist which regulates the body’s temperature faster than a regular fan…needless to say it feels insanely good too!
How to keep kids safe during a heatwave
Kids feel the heat faster than adults and don’t always recognise when they need to slow down… especially when they’re too busy having fun!
Here are a few tips to keep your kid cool:
Regular water breaks:
Offer water frequently, even if they say they’re not thirsty
SPF:
Hats, sunscreen, and shaded play areas are a non-negotiable during a heatwave!
Portable fan:
Perfect for playrooms, shaded outdoor areas or buggy-side airflow- the mist will feel refreshing without drenching them.
The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan is a brilliant option for your kids and well worth the money.
Paddling pool:
Supervised water play is an easy way for kids to cool down… and you too if there’s space!
Cool snacks:
Frozen fruit, ice pops, snow cones or chilled yoghurts can help lower body temperature.
How to keep pets safe during a heatwave
If you’re uncomfortable, your pets are probably struggling too- and unlike kids, they can’t tell you when it’s getting too much.
Fresh water around the house:
Place multiple bowls of fresh water around the house and ensure the bowls stay full.
No hot-pavement walks:
A good tip is to see if you can walk on the path barefoot, if you can’t- it’s too hot for your pet!
Shade and airflow:
Set up a fan near your dog so that they can cool down in the hot temperatures.
The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan can be used for any members of the house, even the four-legged ones!
Cooling mats:
A great option for dogs and cats indoors.
Frozen treats:
Ice-cubes or pet-safe frozen snacks are a great idea to cool your pets down!
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