HeatWatch
Heatwaves pose a significant threat to human health in New South Wales (NSW) and across Australia, claiming more lives than any other natural disaster. Numerous barriers hinder the reduction of health risks associated with extreme heat exposure. In response, the Heat and Health Research Incubator at The University of Sydney, in collaboration with community partners, developed the HeatWatch application. The HeatWatch application allows users to estimate a personalised heat health risk. It also provides science-backed cooling strategies that are easily implementable. Its design and features are shaped by direct consultations with community members via focus groups, ensuring a user-friendly and practical tool for heatwave health risk management.
In recent times, heatwaves have become more intense, frequent, and prolonged — a trend that will escalate in the foreseeable future. As NSW's population continues to grow and age, it is crucial to safeguard the most vulnerable to the detrimental health effects of extreme heat, reinforcing the importance of the HeatWatch application. You can use the HeatWatch app for free using this link, and enhance your understanding of its features and benefits through this short educational video.
This is a project funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (formally Resilience NSW) in their Disaster Risk Reduction Funding scheme.
Media Coverage
The HeatWatch application has been featured in the following media outlets:
- ABC News - The invisible ways your heat health risks can change based on your postcode this summer
- HVAC&R News - University of Sydney launches HeatWatch app
- The University of Sydney - HeatWatch app to be trialled over summer as temperatures soar
- 9 News - New tech to protect Aussies during forecast extreme summer conditions
Heat Health Management Plans that include the HeatWatch
The HeatWatch is included in the following heat health management plans: