Summer Planning Toolkit modules
Module 1: Natural disasters and emergencies
Heatwaves are defined by a period of three days or more of unusually hot minimum temperatures without cooling temperatures overnight. When it is consistently and unusually hot throughout day and night, heat stress can cause both health and infrastructure issues 1.
Heatwaves have historically contributed to a high number of deaths due to natural hazards in Australia 2. The risk of dying due to heat increases with age, ‘socio-economic disadvantage, social isolation, geographical remoteness’, disability status, use of certain medications, and the absence of air conditioning or other heat protection 2.
Extreme heat events and their related impacts are expected to intensify as climate change continues to cause increased frequency, duration and severity of summer heatwaves and periods of warmth in the winter, alongside an aging population and urban growth 3.
The RACGP has developed the following resources to help you and your practice team prepare for extreme heat:
Each state and territory provides guidance on managing extreme heat:
See module 3 for further information on managing specific chronic diseases during extreme heat.
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