Check on the vulnerable, be safe during extreme heat
This is an archived media release. The information may be outdated.
The State Emergency Service has declared an extreme heatwave emergency warning for Tuesday, 17 December 2019 until Friday, 20 December 2019.
Heatwaves can be very dangerous and have caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. To make sure you and your family survive a heatwave, you should get informed, get ready, be prepared and check on people in your community.
Due to the forecast extreme heat, a state-wide Code Red and a life-saving phone service have been activated to keep the community safe.
Get informed
You can get informed by visiting the SES website to stay up to date with the latest heatwave information.
You can also visit the Bureau of Meteorology website and SA Health website for more information about heatwaves and staying healthy in the heat.
Get ready
You can get ready and be prepared for a heatwave by:
- preparing a cool room in your house
- minimising any time outside
- having fans or air conditioners serviced
- planning what to do if the power goes out, and
- considering how you will keep your pets cool.
Code Red activated for people sleeping rough
The SA Housing Authority has activated a Code Red from Monday, 16 December until Friday, 20 December. During a Code Red activation, Housing SA, together with its non-government partners, makes additional accommodation and services available for extended hours for people sleeping rough in the hot weather.
Details about the additional services available.
The Homelessness Gateway Service will continue to operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
If you are rough sleeping, phone the Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308.
Register now for Telecross REDi service
The community is also urged to check on the elderly, people who live alone, with disability or mental illness and those who are housebound, frail and the aged.
The State Government has activated the Telecross REDi service – a lifesaving free phone service that provides free welfare checks at regular intervals during extreme heat events.
The phone service is provided by the Red Cross and activated by the Department of Human Services during declared heatwaves. During a heatwave, people registered with Telecross REDi can receive a phone call up to three times a day, to check on how they are coping. The trained Red Cross volunteers can also provide tips to stay cool or activate an emergency procedure if required.
Register yourself or someone else for the Telecross REDi service.
Phone 1800 188 071 or (08) 8100 4510
Email telecrossredi@redcross.org.au