City of Perth urges community to take care during metropolitan heatwave

As temperatures are forecast to be 38 to 40 degrees over the next four days, the City is echoing the sentiments of the Department of Health, urging residents, visitors and workers to: 

• Drink plenty of water
• Limit or avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and carbonated drink intake as these can increase dehydration
• Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
• Stay indoors wherever possible with a fan or air-conditioner on
• If working outdoors, wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Always carry a water bottle when out
• Take regular breaks
• Take a cool shower or bath, or put your feet in a bowl of cool water
• Use a spray bottle filled with water, or a wet cloth, to cool your face and body
• Keep curtains, blinds and windows closed during the day to keep your home cool
• Sleep with just a sheet over you, in the coolest part of the house.

Community-based agencies across the inner Perth CBD will be able to assist vulnerable persons during the heatwave.

In addition to the City’s facilities and day centres offering iced water and basic amenities, the City of Perth will set up a water station in Murray Street Mall from 11am to 3pm today until Sunday. Water will also be handed out at the Perth Town Hall.

City of Perth Rangers and outreach workers will complete welfare checks and distribute water to vulnerable people outside of this area between 11am and 3pm Friday to Sunday.

The Citiplace Rest Centre will be open 24 hours every day until 11pm Sunday and the City of Perth Library will be open during normal opening hours for people seeking respite from the hot weather.

Community members are also encouraged to look out for their neighbours during the heatwave, particularly older people and those with existing health conditions living on their own.

Additionally, pets should be kept in a cool area with plenty of water.

The Department of Health has released the below information to make sure the community is aware of the high risks during a heatwave. For more information, visit the Department of Health website.


Information for vulnerable persons 
• Community based agencies across the inner Perth city CBD are able to assist.
• Day centres across Perth offer bottled water and basic amenities
• Most agencies can also provide sunscreen and hats as required
• Seek medical assistance if required.

Who is most at risk?
• Babies, children and teenagers
• Pregnant women
• Older people
• People with existing health conditions
• People exercising in the heat.

Symptoms and signs of heat stress
• Tiredness and lethargy
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling thirsty
• Urinating less often.

During the Heatwave Emergency through 15 December, the Citiplace Rest Centre is offering cold drinks of water and free entry to its air conditioned rest area. The Centre is located in Perth Central Station, east concourse, Level 1.