This guide gathers what official Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council pages say about keeping cool at home. It summarises those pages as they read on 9 November 2026, and the pages themselves remain the authority.
Why heat is treated seriously
At 9 November 2026, Brisbane City Council says heatwaves are “Brisbane’s fourth highest priority natural hazard, and the deadliest”. At the same date, Council adds that during a heatwave, “hot nights make it harder for the body to cool down and recover”.
At 9 November 2026, Get Ready Queensland says the Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as “3 or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location”. At the same date, the Queensland Government’s hot weather health and safety page says that “in Australia, extreme heat events are responsible for more deaths than other natural disasters”, and that “everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems”. At 9 November 2026, Council tells residents to make sure they are prepared by checking for heatwave warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Queensland Government has a page on who is at risk. At 9 November 2026, that page says people aged 65 years and over may be more at risk because the body becomes less able to regulate temperature. At the same date, it says babies and young children are more vulnerable to heat because their bodies cannot regulate temperature as effectively as adults.
Managing the house through the day
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government’s how-to-keep-cool page (last updated 4 August 2026) sets out a simple daytime routine. During the day, it lists closing blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, keeping windows closed while it is cooler inside than outside, and using fans or air conditioning if available.
The same page, at 9 November 2026, treats the evening differently. It says that once the outside temperature has dropped, windows and doors can be opened to allow cooler air to circulate through the home.
At 9 November 2026, Get Ready Queensland adds a few preparation steps for a heatwave. It lists creating cool rooms and cross breezes in your house, storing cool packs in the fridge or freezer and making ice cubes, and filling spray bottles with cool water to use on your face and body.
For households without air conditioning, the Queensland Government page says at 9 November 2026 that you could consider spending time in an air-conditioned public place such as a library, shopping centre or community facility.
Looking after your body at home
On hydration, the Queensland Government says at 9 November 2026 to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. At 9 November 2026, the same page says to aim for around 2–3 litres of water a day unless a healthcare provider has advised you to limit your fluid intake. It also lists limiting alcohol and drinks high in caffeine or sugar, which it says can contribute to dehydration.
At 9 November 2026, Get Ready Queensland’s heatwave page, in a list headed “Ask your doctor how to manage your medical condition in a heatwave”, includes asking how much water you should drink in hot weather, especially if you normally need to limit the amount you drink.
To keep your body cool, the Queensland Government page advises at 9 November 2026 wearing loose, lightweight clothing, taking cool showers or baths and resting in the shade if you need to be outdoors. At that date it says to avoid strenuous exercise or physical work between 11 am and 3 pm if possible. It also says never to leave children, older people, people with disability or animals in parked vehicles, even for a short time.
Getting ready before the hot weather arrives
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government page lists getting air conditioners and fans serviced and stocking up on food, medicines and other essential supplies. It also lists planning to check on family, friends and neighbours who may need extra support. At the same date, Get Ready Queensland lists checking that fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners work well.
At 9 November 2026, the same Queensland Government page says animals should always have plenty of fresh drinking water, access to shade or a cool, well-ventilated shelter, and protection from hot surfaces such as concrete or bitumen.
At 9 November 2026, the hot weather page also links to a concession and rebate tool, which it describes as a way to find energy concessions to support your health during a heatwave. For background on concession cards, see our guide to Queensland Concession Cards Explained. For the building-design side of staying comfortable, see Brisbane Subtropical Home Tips. Outdoors, Brisbane Outdoor Safety: Heat, Storms and Sun covers heat away from home, and Things to Do on a Hot Day With Kids in Brisbane suggests cooler activities. For libraries, see Brisbane Libraries Guide.
Recognising heat-related illness
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government says heat-related illness happens when the body is unable to cool itself properly in hot weather. At the same date, its list of early symptoms includes heavy sweating, thirst, headache, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea and muscle cramps. The page says these symptoms often improve with rest, cooling and drinking water.
For heat exhaustion, the page says at 9 November 2026 to move to a cool place, lie down and remove excess clothing, and to cool the body with a cool shower or bath and cool, wet cloths. At 9 November 2026, it says heatstroke is a medical emergency and a severe form of heat-related illness, and that for heatstroke you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
If you or someone else feels unwell during hot weather, the page says at 9 November 2026 to move to a cool place and drink water, and that if symptoms do not improve you should call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice from a registered nurse or speak with your healthcare provider.
