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Almost all the 354 deaths occurred during two occasions: the 2009 heatwave that preceded the Black Saturday bushfires and an extreme heatwave in Victoria and South Australia in 2014.
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as three or more days in a row when both daytime and night-time temperatures are unusually high.
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Mr Gissing said the real figure was likely to be much higher than coronial records show, with people dying of heart attack or stroke, for example, that had been related to stress caused by high temperatures.
Men have a higher mortality rate during heatwaves than women. And those most at risk include the elderly – particularly those over 70 – and people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, unable to easily access health services, have a physical or mental disability, are socially isolated or don’t have access to air conditioning.
Most of the fatalities that occurred indoors happened in older houses, highlighting the need for governments to find inexpensive ways to support people living in public housing or renting to adapt their homes to extreme heat.
Perth and parts of Western Australia have sweltered through a recent heatwave, with six consecutive days over 40 degrees, while this week Victoria has experienced a low-intensity heatwave, with a sustained period of above-average temperatures and warm nights.
If you live in low income in public housing, or have a disability, it’s more difficult to escape the heat, said head of the Victorian Council of Social Services Emma King.
Low cost heat adaption tips
- Water your garden: trees and plants cool the air when watered well
- Seal any gaps: Stop hot air getting into your home
- Turn off appliances: electrical appliances can generate heat
- Create a cool room. Focus on keeping one room cool to save money
- Cover your windows. Protect from sun inside and out.
“Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for people living in antiquated public housing units that act like ‘swelter boxes’,” Ms King said.
Installing rooftop solar on all suitable public housing properties would be a good first step, allowing tenants to use their air conditioning for longer periods, she said.
Recent recording-breaking hot days were a clear health hazard, said board of member of Doctors for the Environment Australia Dr John Iser. “Some of these hot days are unlivable days, we have temperatures in central and north-western Australia that are over 50 degrees.”
Earlier this month, data found the past seven years had been the seven warmest on record despite the La Nina weather pattern. The report showed the world has already warmed between 1.1 and 1.3 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
The world’s oceans also recorded their hottest year in more than 60 years with greenhouse gases driving increasing temperatures.
Mr Gissing urged people to check on older or isolated people in their community during a heatwave, and invite them to spend time in a cooler house.
“Heatwaves are as much of a social hazard as anything else,” he said. “These deaths are highly preventable if we all look out for each other”.
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