Extreme heat and heatwaves can impact everyone. Even small increases above average temperatures can harm people.
Babies, older people and people with serious long-term health conditions are more at risk from heat. Find out what to do before, during and after extreme heat and heatwaves.
Extreme heat and heatwaves can impact everyone. Even small increases above average temperatures can harm people. Babies, older people and people with serious long-term health conditions are more at risk from heat.
In hot weather, it’s best to stay inside. You can reduce the impacts of heat by getting your home ready for extreme heat.
Make a plan with your whānau about staying safe in extreme heat. Everyone should know what to do at home, at school, at work or in the community. Some places do not have air conditioning and are not safe during extreme heat.
New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage. The best way to protect yourself from UV radiation from sunlight is to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Learn how to keep safe while still living life in the sun at sunsmart.org.nz.
In New Zealand, MetService issue heat alerts for extreme heat. Stay up to date with the latest temperature forecasts and alerts from MetService.
Make a plan online with your whānau to get through an emergency. Think about the things you need every day and work out what you would do if you didn't have them.
New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage.
You can protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart. Learn how to keep safe while still living life in the sun on the SunSmart website.
In hot weather, stay inside or in the shade. Limit physical activity and drink water.
There are things you can do to keep cool at home.
If you cannot keep your home cool, go to a public place that has air conditioning, such as a library or shopping mall.
Watch for signs of heat exposure:
Extreme heat can be serious and life threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you see signs of heatstroke/sunstroke. St John has information on identifying and treating heat-related conditions at stjohn.org.nz.
Health New Zealand has more information about the effects of high heat on health and how to treat them at info.health.nz.
Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
Stay informed during extreme heat. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online. Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services.
Working in extreme heat can be dangerous. WorkSafe has information about working safely in extreme temperatures at worksafe.govt.nz.
Find your local Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group.
Extreme heat can be serious and life threatening.
St John has first aid advice for identifying and treating heat-related conditions.
Extreme heat can cause illness and death. But effective planning and actions can reduce its effects on health.
Find information about the effects of high heat on health and how to treat them on the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website.
Working in extreme heat can be dangerous.
Find more information about working safely in extreme temperatures on the WorkSafe website.
Pets and other animals are at risk from extreme heat. Very young and older animals, and animals with short snouts, are more at risk.
Most animals do not sweat. They rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water to stay cool. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to you to take extra care of them during extreme heat.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has advice for preparing a plan for your animals. It includes checklists for different types of animals and different emergencies. Work through the checklists to develop your plan.
In New Zealand we have a lot of natural hazards. Find out what to do before, during and after each type of emergency.