Heatwaves

Heatwaves are three or more days of higher maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for a location.

During the warmer months of the year, Wagga Wagga can experience heatwaves. To help minimise the health impacts of extreme heat, Council has information to assist the community to stay safe and healthy.

What is a heatwave?

The Bureau of Meteorology (2019) defines heatwave as “three or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location”.

This means heatwaves occur when three or more days of unusually high temperatures impact an area. Under a changing climate, heatwaves will become longer, more frequent and more severe.

There are three types of heatwaves:

Low intensity heatwaves
Severe heatwaves
Extreme heatwaves.

For more information on heatwaves, visit the Bureau of Meterology website. Sunsmart also offers a free UV Widget which provides information on forecast maximum UV and sun protection times and well as daily forecasts for Wagga Wagga.

Heatwave Response Plan Checklist

This checklist has been developed for residents of Wagga Wagga to prepare for hot weather and heatwave conditions.

Ways to keep your home cool

Seal gaps around windows and doors
Choose pale coloured, heat reflective curtains in rooms with lots of sunlight
Install awnings or external window coverings
Service air conditioning systems regularly
Check that fans work well
Check that fridges and freezers work well
Check on fridge and freezer seals
Plant shade trees in your garden

Pre-alert preparations in your home

Keep updated on the weather forecast
Have a list of emergency numbers readily available. This may include family, friends, neighbours and doctors
Know where your emergency kit is in case of a power failure
Know what to do in case of an emergency such as a bushfire. Information on bushfire preparedness is available from the NSW Rural Fire Service
Ensure you have a sufficient supply of medicine
Place cool packs/bags in your freezer
Keep bottles of water in your fridge
Stock up on food items
Consider purchasing drinks with electrolytes
Cancel scheduled outdoor recreation or sporting activities where possible
When exercise cannot be avoided, Sport Medicine Australia provides advice on how to exercise safely in hot weather

Note: If you are encouraged to fluid restrict for medical reasons, please consult your doctor for advice.

To stay safe, keep out of heat and keep cool

Keep curtains closed
Drink plenty of water, supplement with electrolyte drinks if needed
Avoid strenuous activity
Wear light clothing
Take a cold shower or bath at regular intervals
Use damp cloths or towels to cool your skin
Keep to the coolest rooms in your home
If your home is not cool, visit a community cool space
Keep an eye on children as they don't regulate their temperature as well as adults. Encourage children to stay out of the heat, seek cool spaces, hydrate and undertake cool activities
Check on your neighbours
Ensure pets have plenty of water and have access to a cool space

If you must go out:

Avoid the hottest part of the day
Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, loose fitting, sun safe clothing and take a bottle of water
Park your car in the shade or undercover car parks
Do not leave children or animals in a parked vehicle - temperatures in cars can reach dangerous levels

Note: If you are encouraged to fluid restrict for medical reasons, please consult your doctor for advice.

Monitor symptoms and keep updated on the weather forecast

If you have a health problem

Follow your doctor’s advice
Store medicines as per the instructions on the label
Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking medication

If you or others feel unwell

Keep alert for symptoms of heat related illnesses
Seek medical attention from
- Your doctor
- Healthdirect for telephone advice
- 000 for emergency assistance

Check on vulnerable family and friends at set times at least twice a day
Drink fluids to rehydrate. If you’re required to fluid restrict, please consult your doctor for advice

Mild and Moderate Heat Illnesses

Medical condition	Signs and Symptoms	Management
Dehydration	Profuse sweating Increase in body temperature Lethargy and tiredness Loss of appetite Being thirsty Irritability Cease activity and go to a cool shaded place Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol) Turn on fan or air-conditioner Spray water on face and body If remaining unwell, seek medical advice as soon as possible	Cease activity and go to a cool shaded place Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol) Turn on fan or air-conditioner Spray water on face and body If remaining unwell, seek medical advice as soon as possible
Heat Rash	Small red itchy bumps appear on the face, neck, upper chest, under breast, groin and scrotum areas This can affect any age but is prevalent in young children It is attributed to heavy sweating during hot and humid weather Rash subsides with no specific treatment Minimise sweating by staying in an air-conditioned environment, taking frequent showers and wearing light clothes. Keep the affected areas dry	Rash subsides with no specific treatment Minimise sweating by staying in an air-conditioned environment, taking frequent showers and wearing light clothes. Keep the affected areas dry
Heat cramps	Painful muscular spasms occur; most often in the legs, arms or abdomen, usually at the end of sustained exercise	Immediate rest in a cool place Stretch muscles and massage gently Increase fluid intake using a solution containing electrolytes Medical attention should be sought if heat cramps occur for more than 60 minutes
Heat syncope	Dizziness Fainting	Cease activity and go to a cool shaded place Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol) Turn on fan or air-conditioner Spray water on face and body Lie the patient down in a cool place and raise legs and hips
Heat exhaustion	Pale complexion Intense thirst Rapid heat rate Muscle cramps, weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea, vomiting Fainting Seek medical advice Move to a cool shaded room or air-conditioned place. The patient should be undressed Apply cold wet sheet or cold-water spray and use fan if available Lie the patient down and raise legs. Increase fluid intake	Seek medical advice Move to a cool shaded room or air-conditioned place. The patient should be undressed Apply cold wet sheet or cold-water spray and use fan if available Lie the patient down and raise legs Increase fluid intake
Heat stroke (a life-threatening emergency)	Same symptoms as heat exhaustion Dry skin with sweating Mental condition worsens, confusion Seizure Stroke-like symptoms or collapsing Unconsciousness Call an ambulance Get the person to a cool area and lay them down. Remove their clothing Wet their skin with water, fanning continuously Position an unconscious person on their side and clear their airway	Call an ambulance Get the person to a cool area and lay them down Remove their clothing Wet their skin with water, fanning continuously Position an unconscious person on their side and clear their airway

Available Community Resources

Facility Name	Location	Contact Details for Opening Hours
Oasis	50 Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga	https://oasiswagga.com/ (02) 6926 9390
Wagga Wagga City Library	Civic Centre Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga	https://waggalibrary.com.au/ (02) 6926 9700
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery including National Art Glass Gallery	Civic Centre Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga	https://waggaartgallery.com.au (02) 6926 9660
Museum of the Riverina located at the Historic Council Chambers	Civic Centre Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga	https://museumriverina.com.au/ (02) 6926 9655
Sturt Mall	135 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga	https://www.sturtmall.com.au/ (02) 6921 4594
Wagga Wagga Marketplace Shopping Centre	87 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga	https://waggamarketplace.com/ (02) 6931 7277
Ngurra Hub (Community Centre)	15 Blakemore Avenue, Ashmont	0466 491 431
Mission Australia	Unit 2/36-40 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga	https://www.missionaustralia.com.au (02) 6932 7500
Tolland Hub (Community Centre)	41 Bruce Street, Tolland	(02) 6931 5970
Kooringal Hub (Community Centre)	Wilga Street, Kooringal	https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/ 0490 002 989
Ashmont Community Resource Centre	42 Tobruk St, Ashmont	https://www.anglicare.com.au (02) 6931 3456

Shaded

Peter Street: Numbers: 75-79, 93-97, 105-111
Sturt Mall: entrances on Tompson and Berry Streets
33 Bardo Lane

Undercover

Wagga Wagga Marketplace Shopping Centre (underground): entrances on Morgan and Berry Streets, Wagga Wagga
1-9 Berry Street (undercover)
Kooringal Woolworths 269 Lake Albert Road (undercover)

If you are out and about on a hot day always carry a bottle of water which you can refill at a Tap2Go water station.

All stations are available 24/7

Ashmont Skate Park
Baylis Street (corner Morgan Street – near Westpac)
Baylis Street (front of Wagga Wagga Marketplace)
Baylis Street (corner of Tompson Street)
Botanic Gardens
Collins Park
Duke of Kent Park
Henwood Park, Kooringal
Lake Albert Walking Track:
- Lakeside Drive (north)
- Lakeside Drive (west)
- Eastlake Drive
- Near Apex Park
- Playground near the Boat Club
Jubilee Park (Connolly Park)
Jubilee Park (Athletics Track)
Kaloona Drive (Playground), Bourkelands
Livvi’s Place inclusive playground (Bolton Park)
Public Park, Dupree Boulevard Lloyd
Visitor Information Centre, Tarcutta Street
Public Park, Flinders Street Turvey Park

The following playgrounds may offer shade in general warm weather.

*those listed under trees are playgrounds that are completely covered, or the vast majority is covered by trees.

Shade Sails

Apex Park Junior: Eastlakes Drive, Lake Albert
Bedevale Street playground, Bourkelands
Belling Park, Bolton Street, Wagga Wagga
Bosley Memorial: Nelson Drive, Lake Albert
Botanic Gardens enclosed junior playground near the BBQ’s: MacLeay Street, Turvey Park
Collingullie Park: Collingullie
Cox Park, Kincaid Street
Currawarna Park: Old Narrandera Road, Currawarna
Glenfield Park: Tanda Place, Glenfield Park
Gobbagombalin Park: Paradise Drive, Gobbagombalin
Henwood Park: Lake Albert Road, Kooringal
Hopwood Park: Sunshine Avenue, Turvey Park
Jack Ave playground, Mount Austin
Lingiari Street playground, Lloyd
Livvi’s Place – Bolton Park: Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga
Oasis Aquatic Centre: Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga
Oura Recreation: Oura Road, Oura
Paddy Osbourne Park: Sydney Street, Tarcutta
Pomingalarna Cycling Complex Playground
Riverside playground, Riverside precinct (Wagga Beach)
Uranquinty Neighbourhood: Connorton Street, Uranquinty
Webb Park playground, Ashmont

Trees

Botanic Gardens – Kidsville: MacLeay Street, Turvey Park
Collins Park: Forsyth Street, Wagga Wagga
Horsley Street Park: Horsley Street, Kooringal
Lake Village: Ontario Drive, Lake Albert
Menneke Park: Pugsley Drive, Estella
Tamar Drive Park: Tamar Drive, Tatton
Bourkelands junior playground: Kaloona Drive, Bourkelands

Other Council Websites

Visit Wagga Wagga Airport

Oasis Aquatic Centre Wagga Library

Wagga Art Gallery Museum of the Riverina

Civic Theatre Have Your Say Wagga