Keep your cool when it heats up

PART and parcel of living in Queensland is high temperatures and the figures that are reached can be extreme.

The top temperature for the state since records have been kept is 49.5C at Birdsville Police Station on Christmas Eve, 1972.

The weather bureau says heatwaves are probably the most underrated weather hazard in Australia and could be deadly.

They have also been dubbed the silent killer as it is difficult to know how many deaths can be attributed to the high temperatures as many people have pre-existing conditions and the deaths can occur days after the mercury drops.

The most vulnerable are the elderly, children under four, pregnant women and breastfeeding mums, people taking medication that can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, anyone with a chronic mental illness and overweight people.

WHAT IS A HEATWAVE?

Three days or more of high maximum and minimum temperatures that is unusual for that location.

WHEN THE MERCURY RISES

Drink lots of water, but don’t overdo it Avoid drinks with high levels of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and very cold drinks

Eat smaller cool meals such as salads Wear loose clothing

Use wet towels or scarves, put your feet in cool water or take a cool, not cold, shower

Head to shopping centres, libraries and cinemas that have airconditioning

Close curtains, blinds and open windows if there is a cool breeze

Don’t go out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)

Don’t leave your children or pet in a parked car