As we brace ourselves this morning for another
record-breaking day here in Sydney, the severe bushfire threat plaguing parts
of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania is only set to worsen. Today, Australians prepare
for what could be the hottest day in history, with the average national
temperature predicted to hit 43C. The country's record national average
temperature is 40.17C, which was reached on December 21, 1972. According to Bureau of Meteorology
climatologist Dr David Jones on the news this morning said “Australians should
prepare for more prolonged heatwaves this summer”. How prepared are we when we
are going to experience the wrath of mother-nature in some of the worst
bushfires we have ever seen. Well, not
everyone fully understands the difficulties produced by heat waves especially
to our new migrants or visitors from Singapore, who are fit, healthy,
and have access to air-conditioned place; a heat wave can pass by fairly
uneventfully. However, there is a risk for everyone and it's important to be
aware both for yourself and for others whom you might be taking care of.
Looking after others
·
Look out for signs of heat stress and
exhaustion in all members of your family and others close to you. Be
vigilant and explain to them the importance of taking steps to minimize the
effects of heat during a heat wave.
·
Never leave children or pets in parked cars,
even for brief periods of time. The temperature inside the vehicle can rise
to 49ºC or more within minutes, enough heat to kill someone very quickly.
·
Check on neighbours, family, and friends,
especially those who are elderly, sick, or not able to take care of themselves
without assistance and those who live alone. If you know that a neighbour
lives alone and is at risk of health problems from heat (especially where they
do not have air conditioning), try to contact family members to come and help.
If that is not possible, your local emergency services might be able to help
but if you can ease the burden on them by taking care of such a person
yourself, that is the better option.
·
Understand what heat related illnesses are
and how to identify the symptoms, such as heat cramps, which are painful spasms
in the muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Heatstroke is an emergency.
Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of heat stroke should seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms include:
§
Red, flushed skin - may become pale
§
A body temperature of 41ºC or higher
§
Seizures
§
Extreme headache
§
Rapid breathing
§
Rapid pulse
§
Sweating ceases
§
Confusion
§
Unconsciousness.
Looking after
yourself
·
Don't undertake difficult, hot travel or
movement during the daytime. If you must travel, the best time is by night,
when it is much cooler.
·
Dress appropriately for outdoors: When
outdoors, it is important to cover up. Still adhering to the loose-fitting,
lightweight and natural clothing, cover up as much skin as possible to avoid
sunburn. Protect your head and face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Consider
wearing clothing made of synthetic sports fabrics that are designed to wick
away perspiration. Avoid dark colours as these absorb the heat; light colours
reflect it.
·
Look at
your urine: To tell if you're dehydrated. Normal urine should be clear coloured,
or light yellow. If the colour is any darker, you may be dehydrated. Make sure
you have plenty of water to drink.
·
If you
plan to be out and about during a heat wave, consider spending the warmest
part of the day (or even night) in public buildings such as libraries, schools,
cinemas, shopping malls, and other community facilities
Prepare your home for the event of a heat wave.
·
Check that your window air conditioners are
snugly installed; if not, insulate around them. Check that the air conditioning vents are
also properly insulated.
·
Install temporary window reflectors (for use
between windows and drapes), such as aluminium foil-covered cardboard. These
will reflect heat back outside.
·
Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air
in.
·
Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon
sun. Use drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Outdoor awnings and louvers can
reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 8 percent.
·
Put on a fan. Circulating air
can cool the body by increasing the evaporation rate of perspiration. A fan can
help move the air around your house and will be useful for pulling in
relatively cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan to keep cool during the
day. A fan will not prevent heat-related illnesses when the temperatures are
over 37ºC. A cool shower is a much more effective way to cool off.
·
Understand what heat related illnesses are
and how to identify the symptoms, such as heat cramps, which are painful spasms
in the muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen.Heatstroke is an emergency.
Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of heat stroke should seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms include:
§ Red,
flushed skin - may become pale
§ A
body temperature of 41ºC or higher
§ Seizures
§ Extreme
headache
§ Rapid
breathing
§ Rapid
pulse
§ Sweating
ceases
§ Confusion
§ Unconsciousness.
- . Eat lightly. Hot foods and high-calorie or high-protein meals raise your body's metabolism and its temperature, which is the opposite of what you need to stay healthy during a heat wave. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, cold salads, etc. and be sure to eat light, well-balanced and regular meals.
The hot and dry conditions have been labelled as
"catastrophic" by authorities in NSW, with a total fire ban
established statewide and all national parks and reserves closed today due to
the fire.
Over 100 properties have been destroyed since last week, concentrated
in the fishing village of Dunalley in Tasmania. No deaths from the fires have
been reported, but emergency services crews are conducting property-to-property
searches for human remains and many people are still unaccounted for. Please spare
a moment to our friends in Tassie who are experiencing the wrath of mother-nature
in some of the worst bushfires they have ever seen. It is easy to feel
helpless at times such as these but there are ways you can help. You can donate
funds to the Red Cross bushfire appeal via this link: http://www.redcross.org.au/tasmanian-bushfires-appeal-2013.aspx.
Funds raised through the Tasmanian Bushfires 2013 Appeal will be used to assist
individuals, families
