Six Tips To Survive The Summer Heat

Western Australia’s weather can be best described as blue sky days year round. The capital Perth enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine daily. This almost perfect weather has shaped the lifestyle of the people living in this part of the country.

The lifestyle is relaxed. The coastline features beautiful beaches, ranging from tiny and private to big ones for the family. Most summers in Perth are around 30 degrees C.

But the flipside is it can get scorching hot. We’re talking 40 degrees C for the entire week.

If the heat becomes too unbearable, people head to the coastline to cool off at the beach, or take in a movie in a cinema. But the heat can become a problem for some people, especially at night when there is no air conditioning.

Temperatures in Western Australia can get pretty high and unpredictable. One day it’s warm and sunny and the next day and for the next few days it could be so hot it can melt the pavement.
Follow these tips to make sure you and your home survive the summer season in Western Australia.

1. Check your cooling appliances

Western Australians have found so many ways to beach the heat during the day, such as going to the beach or local swimming pool, public places with air-conditioning like shopping malls and cinemas, and public parks watering their grass with sprinklers.

Fans and air conditioners are overworked during summer. They are used to keep the home cool throughout the day. To make sure your cooling appliances don’t conked out on you in the middle of a heat wave, clean your fans and schedule maintenance for your air conditioning unit. Your units may be an older model, or it may have been worn out after years of use.

2. Check your summer appliances

Aside from fans and air conditioners, it is a good idea to check other appliances that are essential for summer.

The Aussie BBQ is a mainstay of any summer dinner party. Before summer arrives, deep clean your hot plates, check the gas and make sure all fittings are working in order.

If you have a pool and spa, you’re lucky to have these private spots to escape the summer heat. Make sure your pool and/or spa are ready for the summer heat by having them cleaned, checking the jets and ensuring the safety fence and gates are in proper condition.

3. Prepare your deck or patio

You will probably be spending many hours and nights in your outdoor space during the months of December through March. In this case, add your deck or patio to your spring cleaning list.

Here are a few of the things you can do to make your outdoor area summer ready:

Mow your lawn, prune the shrubs and trees, and get rid of all weeds.
Remove debris from the pavement by hosing it down
If your deck is finished with oil, clean and oil it to make sure the timber is protected
Check your window shades such as curtains or blinds, deck umbrella, and roof panels in your outdoor area

4. Start your summer decoration

Deliciously scented candles and heavy fleece linens are for winters. For summer, the most appropriate décor is a light one.

Take out your lighter, cotton sheets for the bedroom. For your living room, time to put those fluffy blankets back to storage and replace them with fluffy blankets.

Don’t forget your living room and kitchen. Place a few low-maintenance plants and succulents to create a summer atmosphere. Plants can make a room airy and purify the air.

5. Keep those flies and mosquitoes away

These pesky insects come out in full force especially early in the summer. Though the horde somewhat lessens when the middle of summer start, you still don’t want to keep swatting your hand across your face to ward them off.

Check the ‘fly screens’ on your doors and windows for any break or hole. You can open the doors and windows to allow the air in while keeping the flies and mosquitoes away.

Flies can be annoying but we have to accept that they are part of nature because of the important part they play in our ecosystem.

6. Dealing with snakes

During spring and summer, many replies come out where they are hiding to enjoy a little sun.

Venomous dugites and tiger snakes are common in Perth. Probability is high that you will see a reptile or two during the day and at night during warm weather.

You have to take extra care when walking in bushlands and grassy areas. Walk only in areas where you can see the ground.

Cut the long grass around your house and remove all items lying on the ground like discarded wood or corrugated iron, which can be used by snakes to hide.

If you find a snake in your garden or house, don’t kill it, don’t approach it or annoy it. Call Wildcare Helpline and ask to be referred to a reptile remover, or get online to find a local snake remover service.

Follow these tips to enjoy summer in Western Australia. It generally has a enviable weather but in case there is a heat wave suddenly, you and your home are prepared and will survive it just fine.