Heatwave Information

A heatwave is an extended period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather.

Heatwaves can have a detrimental impact on communities. They affect many parts of everyday life including health and wellbeing.

Thermal imaging cameras are available to borrow from our libraries. These devices improve home sustainability by helping you identify energy leaks and hidden heat patterns. By pinpointing areas of heat gain, you can make informed decisions about insulation, sealing, shading and energy consumption.

To borrow a thermal camera, visit the Norwood Library, St Peters Library or Payneham Library, or put one on hold via our online catalogue.

Visit the State Emergency Service Be Prepared for a Heat Wave website for more information.

Here are some simple things you can do to reduce the impact of extreme heat:

• stay hydrated – you should drink two to three litres of water a day even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid “fizzy”, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks and do not take salt tablets (unless instructed to by a doctor)
• dress for summer – lightweight, light coloured clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain a normal temperature
• minimise sun exposure – keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, wear a shirt, hat and sunglasses. Also make sure you wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which limits the body’s ability to cope with heat
• prepare your home – Prepare your home early. Service or replace your air conditioner BEFORE you need it. Curtains, awnings and blinds can also help to keep the home cool
• make use of air conditioning – if you don’t have air conditioning, make use of public facilities such as shopping centres, art galleries, cinemas or other air-conditioned buildings. Portable fans are also useful in drawing in cool air, or exhausting warm air from a room
• remember your pets – pets can be particularly vulnerable to the heat. Make sure they have shade and plenty of cool water to last the day
• seek medical advice if necessary – for medical advice telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. For immediate medical assistance telephone 000.

If you don’t have an air conditioner at home, visit one of our three libraries where you can relax and take it easy.

If you are shopping on The Parade, Norwood, drop into the Norwood Town Hall where there is cool drinking water available on hot days at the front counter.

If you are a water lover, cool off at our Swimming Centres – pools are heated to 27 degrees and there's plenty of shade.

Here are some simple tips to keep cool at home:

• keep your windows covered with curtains, blinds and external shading to keep the sun out
• avoid the heat by doing outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon/evening
• wear light coloured clothing made of natural fibres
• drink cool water regularly
• place wet towels on your face and body
• if it’s cooler outside, open doors and windows to let the cool air inside. Use window locks and security screens to secure your home.

For more tips and information, download: SA Health - Summer Cooling Guide

You can check weather forecasts and UV times by downloading the free SunSmart app

For more weather information, visit: Bureau of Meteorology

Find a drinking fountain and refill your water bottle with the SA Water Bring Your Own Bottle app.

This interactive map will give you clear directions to the closest of 1,000 mapped drinking fountains.

For more information and to download the app, visit: SA Water: Bring Your Own Bottle app