Tips to stay safe in a heatwave
As temperatures rise, learn how to keep you and your family safe
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As a result of climate change, heat waves are becoming longer, more frequent and more severe – with temperatures in our region expected to rise faster than the global average.
While hot weather can be uncomfortable for everyone, too much heat is dangerous, especially for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Use the tips below to help stay cool and keep the most vulnerable safe on very hot days. Plus learn how to recognize the most severe signs of heat stress and when to take action.
What is a heatwave?
Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row.
They result from warm air being trapped in the atmosphere and are a natural weather phenomenon. Too much heat is dangerous, especially for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Children and babies are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults. Their bodies have more trouble regulating temperature than those of adults – so they rely on you to help protect them from the heat.
Climate change is causing more frequent and intense heatwaves - and children are increasingly exposed.
Know the symptoms and when to take action
When it comes to heat stress, there are 4 things to always remember:
- Be aware of heat stress and what actions to take.
- Identify the symptoms
- Act immediately
- Go to a health facility if serious.
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📢 Remember: Severe symptoms require urgent care.
Beat the heat tips
Taking care of babies and children
Infants and young children adapt to changes in temperature more slowly than adults, making them more vulnerable to extreme shifts such as heatwaves. Here are some of the ways you can take special care of them.
- Check regularly to see if your child is thirsty, sweating, feeling hot, vomiting, has a dry and sticky mouth or is experiencing headaches.
- Wrap infants loosely – this can help prevent heat rashes and overheating and avoid severe symptoms.
- If you can, breastfeed infants under 6 months exclusively. Breastfeeding mothers should drink plenty of water as dehydration can affect breastmilk production.
- Never leave infants or children in closed spaces without ventilation (such as cars, rooms with closed windows or enclosed prams).
- Do not give infants showing signs of being overheated any medication without consulting a health provider.
- Do not let your children play outside for a long time when it is hot. Keep an eye on them and have them rest every 30 minutes when exercising or playing outside. Exercising or playing in high temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration and serious consequences.
- Ensure that all children aged 6 months and over are drinking water regularly throughout the day. They may not be paying attention to their bodies, so adults need to help them stay hydrated.
Advice for pregnant women
Heat stress in pregnancy can put the baby at risk of low birthweight, early birth and even stillbirth, so it’s important that pregnant women are supported to avoid heat stress and know its symptoms, and when to get help.
- Avoid going out when it is hot (above 40°C/104°F).
- Exercise with low or moderate intensity as long as you are feeling comfortable and are hydrating and resting properly.
- Rest when possible, and share workloads with others when possible.
