How to keep cool and stay hydrated

Be prepared

Find ways to make your home or building cooler like light coloured window coverings, awnings and shade cloth.
Have air conditioners serviced before the beginning of summer.
Ensure you have enough food, medicine and other supplies to avoid going out or if electricity supply is interrupted.
If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor for advice on how to manage the heat.
Make a list of family, friends and neighbours you might want to check in on and ensure you have their current contact details.

Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty. If you are on a limited fluid intake, check with your doctor.
Limit intake of alcohol, soft drinks, sports drinks, tea or coffee.
Eat as you normally would but try to eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit. Avoid heavy protein foods which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.

Plan your day to keep activity to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.
If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm). Avoid strenuous activities and gardening.
Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked cars.
If you do go out, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.
Regularly rest in the shade and drink plenty of water.

Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home.
Block out the sun during the day and keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside.
Use fans and air-conditioners at home to keep cool, or spend time elsewhere in air-conditioning like a library, community centre, cinema or shopping centre.
Take frequent cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water.
Open windows after the Sun has gone down / heat has gone down to allow for air circulation.
Make sure to stay cool while you sleep. Just because the heat has gone down doesn't mean it isn't still hot.

Download tips for keeping food safe in extremely hot weather

Animals can also be affected by heat-related illness.
If you’re in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to provide it with food, water, and appropriate shelter.
Never leave animals unattended in a hot car.
For more tips and advice visit: RSPCA Queensland: Pet tips for Summer