NT Health is issuing severe and extreme heat health alerts with high temperatures in several locations in the Top End this week.
An emergency warning for extreme heat is in place in Bark Hut and Berry Springs from Thursday 12 October to Friday 13 October. This will be downgraded to a ‘watch and act’ alert for severe heat on Saturday 14 October.
Current advice from NT Health is that the following areas are at a level two ‘watch and act’ alert for severe heat from Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 October:
· Acacia Hills
· Adelaide River
· Belyuen
· Coolalinga (13 October)
· Florence Falls
· Howard Springs
· Humpty Doo
· Noonamah
· Surprise Creek Falls (13-14 October)
· Tjaynera Falls
· Wangi Falls
NT Health encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate action to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.
To avoid heat related illness the community should:
1. Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
2. Drink cold or iced water
3. Decrease physical activity
4. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
5. Get into cold water or apply cold substances to the body
6. Use fans and damp towels if you don’t have air-conditioning
Symptoms of heat stress:
1. Tiredness and lethargy
2. Headache
3. Dizziness or fainting
4. Confusion leading to poor decision making
5. Muscle cramps
6. Feeling thirsty
7. Urinating less often
People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. If you are worried, call triple zero (000) immediately.
