Stay safe during the heatwave | Redcliffe Hospital

South East Queensland is currently experiencing heatwave conditions. Many people across the region are also without power due to severe storm activity as well.

During the heatwave, you should aim to:

Keep cool and stay hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day and limit your intake of alcohol, soft drinks, tea or coffee
Ensure you have enough food, medicine and other supplies to avoid going out or if electricity supply is interrupted.
If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (10am-3pm).
If you do go out, seek out the shade and drink water regularly.
Wear lightweight, loose clothing made of breathable fabric (cotton, linen).
Watch out for early signs of heat related illness.
Don’t cover prams while babies are in them.
Use airconditioning and fans to keep cool. Go to a library, community centre or shopping centre if you do not have power at home.

Medications commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions, allergies and mental health conditions, can all make you more vulnerable to the heat.

Keep in contact with elderly friends, neighbours and relatives during a heat wave in case you, or they, need help. Babies, children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may also be affected by warmer weather.

The Queensland Health website has more information on heatwave precautions.

Medical devices

Metro North hospitals and health centres can help patients who rely on power for their medical devices.

If losing power would result in a medical emergency for you or a loved one, safely go to your closest hospital or health centre immediately after you lose power. Please bring your normal medications with you. See this factsheet for more information about medical devices in emergencies.

If it is not a medical emergency but you need power to charge a medical device, the City of Moreton Bay has opened three locations you can go to during the day to get out of the heat and charge medical devices, including mobile phones:

Redcliffe Library, 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe.
Bribie Island Recreation Hall, 156 First Avenue, Bongaree.
Bribie Island RSL, 99 Toorbul Street, Bongaree.

For general information about preparing your home and family for extreme weather and natural disaster events, visit Get Ready Queensland.