Climate change is real, making floods, fires, and severe storms omnipresent in Australia and around the world.  

National climate records began in 1910. The New South Wales Government reports Australia's average temperature has increased on average by 1.44% ± 0.24 °C since 1910. Since 1950, every decade has been warmer than the decade before, with both day- and night-time temperatures increasing. Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019, with the temperature 1.52°C above average. Very high monthly maximum temperatures that occurred 2% of the time between 1960 and 1989, occurred 4% of the time between 1990 and 2004, and now occur 12% of the time (2005–2019). Meanwhile, our oceans have warmed by around 1°C since 1910. 

So, what does this mean for you and how can you better prepare for extreme weather conditions? 

Preparing for Bushfire Season 

The CSIRO reports that due to the declaration of El Niño, we are in for a hot and dry summer meaning high fire danger.

Here are some CSIRO recommended fire prevention tips to protect and prepare your home:  

• Clear your garden of excess mulch. Combustible debris under nearby trees, such as fallen leaves, twigs and bark, should be cleared regularly. 
• Trees can help mitigate fire risk, however, trees that overhang or can fall on a house, water tank or fire pump are a risk.  
• Check your yard thoroughly for hazards like outdoor furniture or old gardening equipment. 

You can also access the CSIRO Bushfire Best Practice Guide to learn more.  Remember to check your local Police or Fire Service warnings and guidance when fires are prevalent in your area. 

Preparing For Floods 

The Western Australian Government Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) encourages all households to develop a flood plan. It doesn’t have to be raining in your area for a flood to impact you. You could be at risk even if you’ve never seen floodwaters near your home.   

Your flood plan should address the following: 

• When will you leave? 
• Where is your emergency kit kept? 
• What will you do if all your household aren’t already together (such as at work or school)? 
• Where will you go and which way will you travel there? 
• If you can’t leave your property, where can you shelter safely? 
• Who will be responsible for turning off electricity, gas and water supplies? Do they know how? 
• Where can you find sandbags, tape for windows and tie-down materials? 
• Where is your nearest evacuation centre, and what route will you take to get there? You can ask your local government about where your nearest evacuation centre might be. 

Check in with family, friends and neighbours to make sure they have a plan too. For more information, refer to the DFES Flood Smart Brochure.  Follow local guidance from officials to keep safe.

Preparing for Thunderstorm Asthma 

Sudden warm weather can lead to plentiful airborne grass pollen. Thunderstorms can aggravate certain plants and cause pollen grains to burst into tiny pieces. These micro pollens can enter the lungs and trigger an asthma attack, even in people who have never experienced asthma before. 

If a thunderstorm is coming to a town near you this summer, here are some recommendations to help you prevent the risk of thunderstorm asthma: 

• Make sure you have your asthma reliever medication with you.  
• Stay inside, especially when it is windy before the rain. 
• Close your doors and windows. 
• If an air conditioner is on, set it to recirculate air.
• Call an ambulance if you need help. 

At Right at Home, your local home care provider, we understand seasonal risks. It is important that you work with us to adhere to local guidance from the authorities. Please call your local Right at Home office to discuss any concerns you may have. You can also request help with precautionary gardening, home protection, or relocating to an evacuation centre.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

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