When temperatures exceed 35°C Lifestyle Attendants should:
- Advise customers to stay indoors as much as possible with a fan or air conditioner on
- Ensure that outdoor activities, such as gardening, are done on other days when the weather does not pose a health risk
- Reschedule or vary community activities to avoid the hottest part of the day and avoid any outdoor activities between 11am and 5pm
- Avoid travelling in vehicles if possible and then only if essential between the hours of 11am and 5pm
- Never leave a customer sitting in a parked vehicle
- Only drive with the car’s air-conditioning on
- Carry bottled water with you in case of a breakdown or delay, especially in rural areas
- Ensure any community access activities are in air-conditioned venues
- If you do have to go outside during the day, ensure that customers and employees are sun safe, wear breathable clothing, a broad brimmed hat, and apply sunscreen
- Ensure customers drink plenty of fluids such as water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol as these cause dehydration
- Suggest relocating to the coolest part of the home or building
- Close blinds to block sunlight from entering the warming the home
- Please ensure any pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
- Be aware of the side effects of customer medications regarding sun sensitivity.
- If the customer does prefer to exercise outside, reschedule it early in the day when it is cooler.
- Be aware of contingency plans for power outages or other emergencies.
