Managing heat stress risks

Heat stress risk is not just a function of people being exposed to a hot and humid climate but also what they are doing and who they are. Darwin locals often adapt their daily routines to manage heat stress risks by adapting their behaviour.

• Wearing light clothing NT Government advice on beating the heat
• Drinking more water to stay hydrated
• Having a break from strenuous physical activities
• Staying out of the sun
• Retreat to a cooler space, such as air conditioned room or under a tree

Heat stress risks

Vulnerability – While access to air-conditioned spaces can help to manage heat stress risks, particularly during the build-up and wet seasons. However, it has been shown that relying on air-conditioning can exacerbate existing inequities for vulnerable population groups due to the energy running costs². Vulnerable population groups to heat stress include the very young and the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, and in Darwin it is likely that Indigenous people are more likely to have risk factors that make them vulnerable to heat stress³.

Adaptive capacity – Effective communication can help build awareness in the Darwin community on how to stay cool during hot and humid conditions. There is also the potential to develop heat management plans that could help Darwin coordinate and prepare and respond to periods of potential heat stress, particularly for parts of the community identified as vulnerable to heat stress.