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2026

Extreme heat – early action makes a difference

General Community Programs Youth

Extreme heat is one of Australia’s deadliest natural hazards. It doesn’t always arrive with warning, but its impact can be serious — sometimes fatal.

South Australia is the hottest and driest state in the country, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe. Extreme heat causes more deaths than any other natural disaster in Australia, often affecting people quietly and quickly.

Australian Extreme Heat Awareness Day (4 February 2026), hosted by Sweltering Cities, encourages us to pause and think about the risks of extreme heat and the simple actions that can save lives.

Why extreme heat awareness matters

Extreme heat affects everyone, but some people are at greater risk, including:

  • people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness
  • older people
  • children and babies
  • people with disability or chronic health conditions
  • people experiencing social isolation.

Heat stress can escalate rapidly and may not always be recognised until it becomes dangerous.

Code Red extreme weather response

The Department of Human Services leads the Code Red extreme weather response for people experiencing rough sleeping. We work closely with Specialist Homelessness Services, Homeless Connect SA, the Bureau of Meteorology and the State Emergency Service.

A Code Red is activated during a severe or extreme heatwave. When this happens, homelessness services deliver extra support for people sleeping rough. These services may include:

  • increased outreach and welfare checks
  • access to cool spaces, drinking water, hats, sunscreen, and other supplies
  • information about air-conditioned public spaces and staying safe in the heat during the day
  • overnight accommodation.

This coordinated approach helps us and our partners act quickly, focus on those most at risk, and reduce harm during extreme heat.

Stay safe in extreme heat

  • Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty
  • Close your windows, blinds and curtains to keep heat out
  • Seek air-conditioned or shaded spaces such as shopping centres, cinemas or libraries
  • Avoid hard physical activity during the hottest part of the day
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
  • Know the signs of heat stress: dizziness, confusion, nausea, headache
  • Cool down with a cold (not freezing!) shower
  • Power outages may happen. Make sure you charge your devices.
  • Avoid sitting under or parking near large trees as limbs can drop
  • If feeling unwell, call your doctor or Healthdirect Australia. In case of an emergency, call 000.

Visit SA Health for more tips and downloadable guides on staying cool, hydrated and safe.

Check in on others

Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for people who are isolated or doing it tough. A simple check-in can make a real difference or even save a life.

Call, message or visit neighbours, friends, older relatives, or anyone you’re worried about. You can also encourage them to register with TeleRedi, funded by DHS, which provides phone check-ins during extreme heat events to help people stay safe and supported.

And remember your pets! If possible, keep them inside or make sure they have shade, plenty of fresh water and a cool spot to rest.

Learn more and be prepared

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Page last updated 2 February 2026