What is the research about?
Heatwaves are the deadliest natural hazard in Australia. We want to understand how people receive, understand, and respond to heatwave warnings.
About the study
This research explores how well heatwave warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology work, including:
- How warnings reach people
- How they are understood
- Whether they lead to protective actions.
Why this matters:
- Heat impacts are often underreported
- Many deaths and social costs are not fully captured
- Better evidence will improve warning systems and response.
You are invited to share your experiences of heatwave warnings and related messaging via an on-line survey that should take 15-20 minutes to complete.
Eligibility requirements
Anyone living in Australia and above 18 years of age.
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: June 2026
End of recruitment: December 2026
Benefits
Complete the survey for a chance to win one of ten $50 gift vouchers.
Contact details
For further information call Dr Yohannes Tefera Damtew on +61 8 83131690 or email yohannestefera.damtew@adelaide.edu.au. This study is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and is led by Professor Peng Bi of Environmental Change & Health Outcomes, School of Public Health, Adelaide University (contact: peng.bi@adelaide.edu.au).