WSROC

Anyone who lives or works in Western Sydney knows that summers can be scorching hot. However it is getting hotter due to the combined effects of climate change and urban development. Western Sydney is hot and getting hotter

Number of days above 35ºC in Harbour CBD, Greater Parramatta and Penrith

Source: Greater Sydney Commission (2018) using data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Heat has major impacts across the community. As the heat impact grows, there is an urgent need to ensure that everyone in the community is aware, prepared and supported to stay safe during extreme heat events.

In a 2020 survey of Western Sydney residents, the following heatwave impacts were reported

58% worried about electricity costs

34% felt distressed or mentally stressed

80% suffered loss of sleep

32% lost power to their home

24% had transport disrupted

28% felt unwell or sought medical advice

Survey conducted by WSROC in May 2020. Respondents were from the general population, and most were not considered at-risk individuals.

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HEATWAVE PREPAREDNESS — COMMUN I TY ORGAN I SAT I ONS