Six things to know when the temperature hits 40 degrees.

It’s Summer, so it pays to be prepared for the inevitable super-hot days.

In Australia heat kills more people than all other natural hazards combined.

Here are six things you should know if you’re out and about in the heat.

1. Listen to your body.

The human body’s temperature shouldn’t rise above 38.7 degrees. Anything higher and you might be in danger of a heat related illness, like heat stroke. The best way to avoid it is to stay out of the sun, drink lots of water and not do anything too physically taxing. Basically a super-hot day is giving you permission to lie on the couch and watch Netflix while eating a frosty fruit.

2. Don’t head for your favourite national park.

Chances are it’ll be closed due to extreme fire danger. Although there is no blanket policy about these things, authorities are likely to take steps to minimise the risk of people getting caught in a bushfire. So if you do have plans for a picnic check what’s open first.

3. You still have to go to work.

While it’s easy to forget this one during the languid Summer break, it’s important to remember that the world won’t stop just because it’s hot.

Somewhere along the way you’ve probably heard that if it gets hot enough, schools are closed. That’s not quite right.

While some states have policies that allow for school closures in extreme heat, there is no consistent rule, and education departments lean towards keeping the kids in class, out of the sun and postponing physical activities.

As for work, if you are employed in an office sit tight. Your air-conditioned digs are the best place to be. Outdoors workers need to take special care as the temperatures rise and stay hydrated.

4. Keep an eye on young children and the elderly.

These are the people most vulnerable in the heat. Children sweat less and have more trouble regulating their temperatures, and older people are similarly vulnerable. Make sure that they are drinking lots of water, and aren’t outside during the worst times of the day.

5. Check your pee…

This is a bit gross, but you can keep an eye on whether you’re drinking enough water by looking at the colour of your urine.

Here’s a handy guide:

6.  Avoid the trains.

Australia is hot. But our rail networks aren’t necessarily equipped to handle it. Tracks can buckle and swell in the heat, causing long delays and frustrating already commuters. Plus who wants to sit next to a sweaty grump on the train? No one. Avoid at all costs.