An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued following the forecast of very hot weather later this week.

The State Emergency Service (SES) is advising South Australians that the expected hot weather is of concern and has issued an extreme heat watch. This means that the public must start preparing and thinking about how they will cope with the heat.

Heat related illness can result in severe health issues and can even be fatal.

The public are advised to exercise care during the hot weather and to take the following precautions:

Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.

• Make regular contact with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone to ensure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Keep homes cool by closing blinds and curtains during the day and making good use of fans or air conditioners (which are on the cool setting).
• Stay indoors. Open up homes at night if it cools down.
• Limit outdoor activities to mornings and evenings.
• When outdoors wear light loose fitting clothing, as well as a broad brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Ensure babies and young children stay out of the sun and give babies extra fluids, dress them lightly and keep them where it's cool.
• People with ongoing mental health conditions or dementia should continue to take their medication, stay in touch with family or friends and seek medical help if you start to feel unwell.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in the car.
• Make use of air conditioned public facilities such as shopping centres, cinemas and libraries.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and if they develop take cool baths or showers and use cool packs or wet towels to cool down.
• Remember that cordless landline telephones do not work during power outages. Make sure you have alternative means of communication.
• Consider the safety of your pets and animals. Wet them down and ensure they have adequate shade and water.

Symptoms of heat stress include headaches, lethargy, nausea and vomiting. More severe symptoms can include weakness, confusion, and in extreme cases, collapse, loss off urine output and loss of sweating. If you are feeling unwell, contact your local GP or telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. For immediate medical attention telephone 000.