The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Worried about heat and fire this summer? Here's how to to prepare

  • Written by Celeste Young, Collaborative Research Fellow, Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC), Victoria University
Worried about heat and fire this summer? Here's how to to prepare

The Northern Hemisphere summer brought catastrophic fires and floods to many countries. Down south, the winter was the hottest ever recorded in Australia[1], fuelled by record ocean temperatures.

Small wonder many Australians are worried about what summer will bring, as a likely El Niño threatens hot and dry fire weather. In the early southern spring, the fire season has already kicked off in New South Wales[2], Queensland[3] and the Northern Territory[4], just as anticipated in seasonal predictions[5]. The recent spring heatwave saw dozens of marathon runners in Sydney hospitalised and even threatened lives[6].

What does this mean for you? It means if you live in the bush, country towns or the outskirts of major cities, it’s time to prepare for the possibility of fire. And if you live anywhere in Australia, you need to plan for heat.

northern territory fire
Fire season has already begun in places like the Northern Territory. AAP

Fire gets attention – but extreme heat can do more damage

Bushfire dominates how we think about summer risks in Australia. But in reality, extreme heat hits harder. That’s because extreme heat can be extremely widespread – and a hidden killer[7]. In particularly hot summers, almost all of us will face some kind of heat stress. Days where you just can’t cool down, or where underlying health conditions flare up.

As the climate becomes less stable, we’re seeing more heat domes – slow-moving high-pressure systems which sit atop an area and blast it. During extremely hot days, we often long for night when the temperature drops. But heat domes can keep heat high overnight.

High heat is more dangerous early in the season before people have acclimatised – and often at relatively low temperatures compared to later in the year.

bushfire smoke NSW Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – bushfire threats range from fire itself to smoke. Shutterstock

Will bushfires be back this summer?

For three years, Australia has been preoccupied with floods. Now we’re heading back into fire risk. But it may be different to what you expect. La Niña’s cooler, wetter conditions have led to strong vegetation growth. Grasses dry out more quickly than other vegetation types, meaning grasslands switch rapidly from moist to tinderbox.

The most likely fires we’ll see this season will be grass, scrub and city fringe fires. Very large forest fires like those of the Black Summer are less likely, as these need extended dry conditions.

These fires will be of direct concern to those outside major cities. But city residents will see the effects too, in smoke, transport disruptions and potential crop and livestock losses which can reduce food availability.

What should you do to get ready?

1. Fire

It’s essential to think ahead as much as possible. Let’s say you live near a forest or grassland which could be a fire risk. Which roads would you take? Where would you go? How could you make sure all your loved ones are contactable – and if they’re away from you, how could you make sure they can get to safety? Record the plan and keep a printed copy.

If you’re in a bushfire prone area, explore and make use of planning resources offered by every state, territory and local emergency agency. Download your state’s hazard or bushfire app with real-time alerts.

With your family, friends or housemates, run through different scenarios so you’re on the same page. When should you stay? When would you leave? Practice your evacuation.

If you’ve got lots of leaf litter, dry grass or fallen branches around your home or property, it’s a good time to reduce fuel loads and ensure your emergency exits are clear.

If you’re planning a holiday in bushfire prone areas, you also need to make safe travel plans[8].

man planning for fire Anxious about this summer? Plan ahead. Shutterstock

2. Heat

Getting ready for intense heat means preparing your home. Is your house well insulated? If you have an air conditioner, is it running well and has it been serviced? Could you reduce how much heat comes through your windows by using shade cloth, awnings or window coverings? A bushfire landscaped garden[9] or heat reflective paint[10] can also help reduce fire risk or cool the house. If you’re renting, bring any issues relating to gaps in doors or windows or faulty electricity to the attention of the real estate agent.

Freezer blocks wrapped in towels and refrigerated spray bottles are also cheap cooling options if you have limited cooling options in your house.

Read more: Extreme heat is particularly hard on older adults – an aging population and climate change put ever more people at risk[11]

If you are working from home, make sure you have backup cooling methods such as battery-operated fans in case of blackouts.

If your home is not well prepared for heat, plan ahead by looking for safer spaces such as a friend’s well insulated or air-conditioned home, a shopping centre, or library where you can seek refuge. Read the Red Cross heatwave preparation guide[12].

Write a list of key contacts and friends or neighbours who might be particularly at risk and put them in your phone and on your fridge.

As the heat builds, check for heatwave warning[13]s on the Bureau of Meteorology’s site. Know what the symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion[14] look like.

Businesses must understand their responsibilities[15] to their employees during extreme heat and have plans to manage these.

Do prepare but don’t panic

This year is showing us what climate change looks like. As these risks build and become more severe, we can no longer just think “she’ll be right”.

As climate risks expand and become increasingly severe, understanding and actively planning for these risks is now an imperative.

Read more: Top 10 tips to keep cool this summer while protecting your health and your budget[16]

References

  1. ^ in Australia (www.bom.gov.au)
  2. ^ New South Wales (www.abc.net.au)
  3. ^ Queensland (www.abc.net.au)
  4. ^ Northern Territory (www.theguardian.com)
  5. ^ seasonal predictions (www.afac.com.au)
  6. ^ even threatened lives (www.theguardian.com)
  7. ^ hidden killer (iceds.anu.edu.au)
  8. ^ travel plans (www.cfa.vic.gov.au)
  9. ^ bushfire landscaped garden (www.cfa.vic.gov.au)
  10. ^ heat reflective paint (www.thedetailguysmd.com)
  11. ^ Extreme heat is particularly hard on older adults – an aging population and climate change put ever more people at risk (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ preparation guide (www.redcross.org.au)
  13. ^ heatwave warning (www.bom.gov.au)
  14. ^ heat stroke and exhaustion (www.redcross.org.au)
  15. ^ their responsibilities (www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au)
  16. ^ Top 10 tips to keep cool this summer while protecting your health and your budget (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/worried-about-heat-and-fire-this-summer-heres-how-to-to-prepare-212443

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...