SES, BOM and SA Health declare heatwave emergency warning for busy festival season in Adelaide

Extreme heat is more than just hot weather and must be taken seriously, the State Emergency Service says, calling on the public to be sensible, stay safe and look out for others.

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Extreme heat is more than just hot weather and must be taken seriously, the State Emergency Service says, calling on the public to be sensible, stay safe and look out for others.

Issuing an Extreme Heatwave Emergency Warning, effective from 9am Thursday, the SES joined forces with the Bureau of Meteorology and SA Health’s chief medical officer for a press conference at the Garden of Unearthly Delights to bring the message home.

SES deputy chief officer Dermot Barry said it was important to remind people to take care and look after themselves, their family, friends and pets during the heatwave.

"We're really talking about drinking lots of water, seeking shade, being conscious of where you are," he said.

"So if you're at the race there's a lot of concrete around, you're going to be much hotter than if you're somewhere shady at The Fringe and other events as well, if you're out in the heat try and avoid the direct heat as much as possible and drink lots of water and if you drink alcohol be sure to drink lots of water as well.”

Chief medical officer Professor Paddy Phillips said while hospitals were prepared, he wanted to ask the community to “please be sensible with the heat”.

"We know there's a lot happening this weekend and we know that it's going to be really hot, we're asking people to please stay hydrated, stay cool and stay well," he said.

"Make sure you have plenty of water available, that you stay indoors during the heat of the day, that you don’t exercise during the heat of the day, that you keep the blinds drawn and the curtains drawn and the airconditioning running, it's not worth not keeping cool just for the sake of a few dollars."

Check on elderly friends and relatives, who may not have their aircon switched on.

However he did not want to discourage the public from enjoying the Festival, Fringe and other events.

He said hospital chief operating officers were considering postponing planned admissions to accommodate heat-related presentations and would put on extra staff.

Acting supervising meteorologist Matt Bass said the heatwave was notable for its duration but was unlikely to break any records.

However the level of heat stress was significant, especially as the series of hot days will include warm nights and elevated fire danger.

“The good news is we do have some relief on the way, we do have a cool change expected through Adelaide later on Saturday, with temperatures gradually cooling down into Sunday morning,” he said.

Zara, 11, cools down at the Leigh Creek pool. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

“It will take a few days for the temperature to really drop down with Sunday still hovering around about 30 degrees but by next week temperatures will be back in the 20s.”

When it is extremely hot during the day and it does not cool down at night, the SES warns that it is hard for the body to cool itself.

“Babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are already unwell are especially at risk but, in an extreme heatwave, even healthy people who do not take action to keep cool can become very ill. Take action to make sure you and your family stay well during this heat event,” the warning states.

What you should do:

■ Keep cool by staying indoors as much as possible and turn fans and airconditioners on early in the day to stop the heat from building up in your home.

■ Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you if you go out.

■ Never leave children, or pets, alone in a car.

■ The very young, older people and those who are already unwell are most at risk — check on them regularly.

■ Make sure your pets and animals have shade and water too.

Health information:

■ For immediate medical attention telephone 000 (triple-0).

■ To register for the Telecross REDi service telephone [phone].

Stay informed:

■ Check the SES website at www.ses.sa.gov.au

■ Monitor local conditions and tune in to your local ABC on a battery-powered radio for updates

■ Call the SA Emergency Infoline on 1800 362 361

■ People who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, can contact the SA Emergency Infoline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 727 (TTY users 1800 555 677)

■ Follow the SES on Twitter (@SA_SES) or Facebook (SA State Emergency Service)

■ For weather warnings and forecasts visit www.bom.gov.au.

■ For SES assistance phone 132 500

■ For further information visit www.sa.gov.au/extremeheat