Darling Downs Residents are Suffering in the Heat

With heat exhaustion taking its toll on Darling Downs residents we’re being reminded to take precautions during this long heatwave.

A man collapsed from suspected heat exhaustion at the Rose City Shopping World construction site at Warwick earlier this week, just one of the many reported heat related incidents across the region.

How to cope with our extreme weather conditions:

ONE

Stay hydrated - drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty, taking small amounts often. 

TWO

Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, and do any essential outdoor jobs early in the morning when it’s cooler.

THREE

If you don’t have air-conditioning, arrange to go to a cool place and leave as early as possible to avoid travelling in the heat; shopping centres and the movies are perfect options

FOUR

Place damp towels around neck and shoulders to cool yourself, place your feet in basin or bucket of cool water. Cool water is better than icy cold, which causes your blood vessels to constrict and slows down the body’s ability to radiate heat. Be mindful of people who can’t do this for themselves such as disabled people, children and babies.

FIVE

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.   As refreshing as it may sound beer, wine or hard liquor are all poor options for hydration. Alcohol is dehydrating and should be avoided during scorching heat.  And take note of beverages like iced tea and energy drinks as they contain caffeine.