Release date: 05/01/23

With predicted high temperatures in coming days, a state-wide Code Red will be activated to support rough sleepers from 9am, Tuesday 27, until 9am, Thursday, December 29.

On these dates, the Code Red responses will be activated in metropolitan Adelaide as follows:

  • Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre will be open for overnight accommodation from 5pm until 8am.The Westcare Centre is located at 11/19 Millers Ct, Adelaide.
  • Toward Home the Resolve Team - additional outreach support until 8pm.


Homeless Connect SA will continue to operate 24/7 across the state to assist with emergency accommodation.

Human Services Minister Nat Cook said during periods of extreme weather and especially during the festive season, we all must ask what more we can do to help people without a safe place to call home.

Specialist Homelessness Services carry out daily outreach visits to people sleeping rough in the CBD, the Parklands and North Adelaide. During Code Red, the services will ensure people know where they can get shelter in the city and help them to access it.

Anyone who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308.

Rough sleepers are encouraged to take the opportunity to stay cool and hydrated as temperatures rise.

In addition to Code Red, isolated, elderly and other vulnerable South Australians at risk from extreme heat are being urged to register for free welfare checks offered by Red Cross. The State Government has partnered with Australian Red Cross to deliver the Telecross REDi service.

In days of extreme heat, trained volunteers will call registered participants up to three times a day for a welfare check and where needed, will call an ambulance for anyone experiencing heat-related health issues.

Anyone who is isolated or at risk from extreme heat, or a representative on their behalf, can register for the free Telecross REDi service by phoning 1800 188 071 or emailing telecrossredi@redcross.org.au.

Quotes

Attributable to Nat Cook

We are lucky to live in a community that looks out for and supports the vulnerable, isolated and elderly.

If COVID-19 and the current Riverland floods have shown us anything, it’s that we have a responsibility to look after each other in tough times, and make sure that vulnerable people in our community are supported and looked after.

For people sleeping rough, extreme weather poses a range of risks to the health and safety of rough sleepers, including exposure and dehydration.

I encourage anyone who knows someone who is rough seeping, or anyone who is rough sleeping to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 if they need to know where to go to get out of the weather and get help to stay safe.

I also urge those who live alone, and who experience circumstances that could create social isolation, to register for the free Telecross REDi service.

Australian Red Cross tips for coping with the heat

  • Drink regularly: even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is the best option. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary or fizzy drinks as they make dehydration worse.
  • Eat little and often: rather than large meals. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
  • Stay indoors: in the coolest rooms of your house or in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take cool showers and splash yourself with cold water several times a day, particularly your face and the back of your neck. A loose cotton damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck can help you stay cool.
  • Air flow: make sure there is sufficient air circulation, either from an air conditioner or by leaving a secured window or door open.
  • Find the shade: if you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of natural fibres. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30+ to exposed skin. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
  • Look out for your neighbours: if you know someone who might be susceptible to heat stress, stop by and make sure they know what to do to stay cool.