Heatwaves quiz

1. Heatwaves are dangerous, but who’s especially at risk?

Older people

Young children

Pregnant women

Outdoor workers

People with medical conditions

All of the above

Answer

All of the above

Extreme heat or heatwaves are a period of unusually hot weather that can cause people to become unwell from heat-related illness. Heatwaves can be dangerous for anyone, but risk can increase with young children, the elderly, pregnancy, outdoor workers, those taking certain medications or those living with some medical conditions.

2. What simple steps can you take to prepare for extreme heat?

Get in the know about the risk of heatwaves and hot weather

Get connected with a support network

Get organised by looking at things you can do before a heatwave, like making your home cooler

Get packing with a kit of essentials to prepare for the hot weather if you are staying home, or seeking refuge somewhere cool

All of the above

Answer

All of the above

There are simple steps you can take to help when the weather heats up. Learn how to stay cool, avoid risks, connect with your support network and identify the signs and symptoms of heat related illness.

3. Do pets suffer when it’s excessively hot?

Yes

No

Answer

Yes

Just like humans, animals can be impacted by extreme heat. It’s important to ensure pets are well hydrated and have plenty of shady spots to sit in when it’s hot.

4. Heat-related illness, or hyperthermia can be a life-threatening emergency.

True

False

Answer

True

Hyperthermia, or heat-related illness is a medical condition where the body temperature is higher than normal due to the body’s inability to regulate heat. If you, or someone you know experiences high body temperature, dizziness, nausea and dry, pale skin – call 000 immediately.

5. Which of these activities should you avoid during the hottest part of the day (11am to 4pm) during a heatwave?

Exercising outdoors

Taking a cool shower

Checking on a neighbour

Staying indoors with fans or air conditioning

Answer

Exercising outdoors

Physical activity in extreme heat can strain your body and lead to overheating or dehydration. It’s safer to limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and stay hydrated and cool during peak heat hours.

6. What is one way to prepare your home for a heatwave?

Cover windows with dark, heavy blankets

Keep all windows and doors closed to maintain a comfortable temperature in one room

Open all windows and doors during the hottest part of the day

Turn off fans to save electricity

Answer

Keep all windows and doors closed to maintain a comfortable temperature in one room.

Prioritising a single room as a cool space in your home can be an energy-efficient way to stay comfortable. By concentrating on cooling just one room with air conditioning or fans, removing any rugs and repositioning furniture against the walls to allow for ventilation, you can reduce energy consumption while maintaining a pleasant environment.

Congratulations on completing the heatwave quiz.

After taking this quiz, do you feel more informed about heatwaves?

Yes

No

Heatwaves can not only affect your daily activities but can be a serious risk to your health and wellbeing. In Australia, more people have been killed by heatwaves than any other disaster.

You can take steps to prepare yourself and those you love from the effects of heatwaves.

More information on how to beat the heat and keep cool this summer.

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