Sweltering Cities raises awareness of extreme heat risks
4 Feb 2026
At a time where everyone is paying close attention to the discomfort of extreme heat and heatwaves Heat Awareness Day helps raise awareness about the factors that increase a person’s vulnerability in heat including people who rent, people with a disability or chronic health condition, people who are elderly or socially isolated and other risk factors.
Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest environmental disaster (AIHW) and kill more people than all other environmental disasters combined. The toll is often underrecognised as people suffer alone in their homes, with heat exacerbating existing physical or mental health conditions. The last three years have been the hottest on record globally. Due to the rising temperatures driven by climate change, heatwaves are becoming hotter, longer and more extreme.
Key messages
💧 Extreme heat can be dangerous — but small actions can save lives. During heatwaves, staying hydrated, reducing physical activity, and checking in on others can make a real difference.
🔥 Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous. On February 4, we’re marking Extreme Heat Awareness Day to recognise the growing health risks of hotter summers across Australia. For people living in poorly insulated homes, working outdoors, managing illness, or caring for others, heatwaves can be life-threatening.
🚪 Heat safety isn’t just about going outside — it starts at home. Closing blinds early, using fans safely, and cooling down rooms overnight can help reduce indoor heat. For many people in hot homes, staying cool is hard — which is why we need both immediate safety advice and long-term solutions.
🌳 Extreme heat is a community issue. Shade, trees, cool public spaces, safe transport stops, and neighbour check-ins all save lives during heatwaves.
👋 Check in — heatwaves can isolate people. A quick call, message, or knock on the door can help protect older people, people living alone, and those with health conditions during extreme heat.
🚌 Heat safety matters in public spaces too. Waiting for transport without shade, working outdoors, or walking long distances in extreme heat can be risky.
More information
It’s easy to protect yourself, the people you love and your community if you have all the information you need to be prepared. Find more information here: Heatwaves and hot weather | Australian Red Cross