Stay hydrated
You should drink two to three litres of water a day even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid 'fizzy', alcoholic and caffeinated drinks and do not take salt tablets (unless instructed to by a GP).
Dress for summer
Lightweight, light coloured clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain a normal temperature.
Check on those at risk
Visit at risk individuals such as the sick and elderly at least twice a day and keep an eye on children. Watch for signs of heat-related illness.
Minimise sun exposure
Keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, wear a shirt, hat and sunglasses. Also make sure you wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which limits the body's ability to cope with heat.
Prepare your home
Prepare your home early. Service or replace your air conditioner BEFORE you need it. Curtains, awnings and blinds can also help to keep the home cool.
Make use of air conditioning
If you don't have air conditioning, make use of public facilities such as shopping centres, art galleries, cinemas or other air conditioned buildings. Portable fans are also useful in drawing in cool air, or exhausting warm air from a room.
Remember your pets
Pets can be particularly vulnerable to the heat. Make sure they have shade and plenty of cool water to last the day.
Seek medical advice if necessary
For medical advice contact your local GP or telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. For immediate medical assistance telephone Triple Zero / 000.
Dangerous storms are the most common natural hazard in Australia and on average, cause more damage and destruction than cyclones, earthquakes, floods and bushfires.
Storms cause damage to homes, property and businesses, and also pose a threat to people, animals and the environment.
The financial and community cost can be reduced with better planning and by preparing your home and family to stay safe and reduce potential storm damage.
For more information, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.
Bushfires in WA account for the majority of fires attended to by career and volunteer fire-fighters.
The DFES Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit also supports operational fire crews to establish the origin and cause of all fires attended. The unit also works closely with the police arson squad to identify the cause of all suspicious and deliberately-lit fires.
For more information, see the information below or please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia with a wide range of weather conditions and seasonal changes that increase the potential for flooding.
If you live in a flood-prone region, then you need to prepare for this possibility.
Some household insurance policies do not provide flood cover, so you need to prepare your family and home to minimise damage and ensure their safety.
For more information, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.
Every year Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) officers attend and control a range of hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents. These can involve:
- Explosives
- Compressed gases
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Poisons
- Corrosive substances
- Radioactive materials
- Infectious materials.
Containing hazardous materials is a complex and challenging task which requires a range of response methods to ensure community safety and protect the environment.
For more information, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.