As summer temperatures climb again across the state, Australian Red Cross will activate its TeleRedi service making potentially life-saving phone calls to vulnerable or socially isolated people, while a statewide Code Red has been called to support rough sleepers.
The TeleRedi service, funded by the State Government through the Department of Human Services, is triggered during extreme heat events to provide reassurance and fast support when it matters most.
Registration for the free welfare checks remains open this summer.
Specially trained Australian Red Cross volunteers phone registered participants to check on their wellbeing. If a call goes unanswered or a person appears unwell or distressed, established emergency response procedures are immediately put in place to help ensure their safety.
TeleRedi supports people who may be at increased risk during extreme heat, including those living alone, older people, people with disability, individuals experiencing mental illness, people recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic health conditions.
Anyone who may be affected by extreme heat or family members, friends or carers is urged to sign up as soon as possible.
Existing participants are also encouraged to confirm their contact details are up to date by contacting Australian Red Cross.
To register or learn more, call 1800 188 071, email teleredi@redcross.org.au, or visit www.redcross.org.au/teleredi.
Meanwhile a Code Red response for people sleeping rough will be active Statewide from Saturday 24 January 2026 to Monday 26 January 2026.
A Code Red response is already active in the North West Pastoral.
For those sleeping rough who are seeking information about available supports in your region, contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The supports and services activated to support people sleeping rough during a Code Red response vary depending on weather conditions, but may include:
Increased daytime operating hours
Increased staffing
Extended street outreach
Increased promotion of existing services
Practical supports such as clothing, blankets, water, food and sunscreen
Safe places to temporarily seek refuge from weather conditions during the day.
For more information on the response to support people sleeping rough during severe or extreme weather events visit DHS Extreme Weather Response.
