Members of the local community are being urged to identifying family, friends and neighbours who may be at-risk and making a plan to check on them regularly if a heatwave occurs.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said with summer now in full swing, it is timely to remind everyone about the risks posed by extreme heat, particularly for older people.
Mr Piccolo said Emergency Services Minister, Mr Pete Malinauskas, recently launched a safety awareness campaign to remind people to be prepared for extreme heat events over the coming weeks.
Mr Malinauskas said heatwaves can have significant impacts and cause more fatalities than any other natural hazard, including cyclones, floods, bushfires and storms.“Enhancing awareness and understanding of the risks of extreme heat (particularly to those most vulnerable) and encouraging the community to take action to protect and preserve life, is critical for reducing loss of life during heatwaves”, said Mr Malinauskas.
Mr Piccolo said he will be writing to some of our older residents in the electorate outlining some of some simple actions they can take to protect their wellbeing from heatwaves, including:Making sure air conditioners are serviced or replaced as necessaryRegistering with the Telecross REDi service (operated by the Red Cross) which provides support during extreme heat events by regularly calling registered people to check on their wellbeing.
You can register by phoning 1800 188 071 or emailing SAClientServices@redcross.org.au Mr Piccolo said family pets can be particularly vulnerable to the heat, so people should make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water to last the day.More information of how to cope better with a heatwave can be found at the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) Heatsafe website at www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/community_safety/heatsafe.jsp
If any resident would like assistance in registering with Red Cross, or for any other enquiry, they are encouraged to contact staff at the Light Electorate office on 8522 2878 or via email at light@parliament.sa.gov.au