With the hot weather predicted for today and the weekend, Acting Mayor Chris Thompson is urging residents to follow advice from Queensland Health to stay cool.
Councillor Thompson said it was important for everyone to stay hydrated and look out for others when the temperatures soared.
“We’re asking people to keep cool by staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water,” Cr Thompson said.
“Make sure you check on other people and look after them if needed – the elderly, young children and babies are more likely to be affected by the heat.”
The most important general points to remember are:
Advice from Queensland Health includes:
Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly during the day. This generally means drinking two to three litres of water a day, depending on heat, humidity and your physical activity.
If your doctor normally restricts your fluid intake, check how much to drink during hot weather. Drinking too much water can also be dangerous, so monitor the colour of your urine. It is recommended that your water consumption should ensure that your urine is light yellow.
Avoid drinking drinks with high levels of sugar, caffeine and alcohol and very cold drinks.
Eat smaller cool meals, such as salads. Do not take additional salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.
Keep yourself cool. Use wet towels or scarves, put your feet in cool water or take cool (not cold) showers. Stay indoors in cool or air-conditioned facilities – either at home or at local shopping centres, libraries and cinemas.
Close curtains and blinds, and open windows (if there is a cool breeze blowing) to reduce heat entering your home.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you can’t avoid outdoor activities don’t go out in the hottest part of the day, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water and wear a hat and light coloured, loose fitting clothing. Ensure infants and children do too.
Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles, even for a short period of time.
Keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives to ensure that they are coping with the heat wave conditions.
Beach goers should slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a broadband hat, seek shade where possible, and slide on wrap-around sunglasses.
Watch or listen to news reports for information about the heat event or heat wave.
For further information, visit the Queensland Health or Emergency Management Queensland websites.