As Australia continues to experience the growing impacts of climate change, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, particularly during summer, have become a real and pressing concern. From prolonged heatwaves to devastating bushfires, these conditions place increasing pressure on both individual homes and strata communities.
For Owners Corporations and residents alike, preparing your property for extreme heat and fire risk is not just good practice—it’s a critical step toward protecting lives, safeguarding investments, and ensuring resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Here are some proactive strategies you can adopt to manage your property in a climate-ready way.
Improve Insulation and Cooling for Comfort and Efficiency
During periods of extreme heat, indoor temperatures can become dangerously high, especially in older buildings or those with limited natural airflow. A well-insulated, energy-efficient home is not only more comfortable but can also reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
Key strategies include:
- Reflective roofing materials to deflect heat and reduce roof surface temperatures
- Double-glazed or tinted windows to block radiant heat
- Upgraded air conditioning systems with high energy-efficiency ratings
- Smart thermostats to optimise cooling schedules and reduce energy usage
- Curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight during peak hours
Even small changes, such as sealing air leaks or using ceiling fans to improve airflow, can make a meaningful difference during a heatwave. Regular maintenance of cooling systems is also vital to ensure they’re ready when needed most.
Fire Preparedness in High-Risk Areas
For properties located near bushland or in areas known for wildfire activity, fire preparedness is essential. Creating a defendable space and reducing fuel sources can greatly improve a building’s chances of withstanding a fire.
Steps to increase fire resilience:
- Clear dry vegetation, leaf litter, and flammable debris around the building perimeter
- Maintain trees and shrubs, ensuring they are trimmed and positioned safely away from structures
- Incorporate fire-resistant landscaping with non-combustible ground coverings and low-flammability plant species
- Clean gutters and roof cavities regularly to remove dry debris
- Ensure every unit is fitted with working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
Owners Corporations should also ensure that common property fire plans are updated, accessible, and clearly communicated to all residents.
Landscaping for Sustainability and Heat Reduction
Green spaces play a vital role in temperature regulation, but in a warming climate, they must also be drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Smart landscaping choices can help reduce the heat island effect, lower energy use, and contribute to fire prevention.
Consider:
- Drought-tolerant native plants, which require less water and are more resilient in harsh conditions
- Strategically placed trees and shrubs to provide shade for buildings and outdoor areas
- Ground covers like gravel or stone mulch, which are less flammable than organic mulches
A landscaping plan that balances aesthetics with safety and sustainability is a powerful asset for any strata community.
Emergency Preparedness and Communication
Being physically prepared is only half the challenge. Knowing how to respond when an emergency arises is just as important.
Every strata property (regardless of size) should have a clear set of emergency protocols in place, including:
- Evacuation plans that are accessible to all residents
- A centralised communication process to keep residents informed before, during, and after extreme weather events
- Contact lists for local emergency services and support networks
- Instructions for residents on what to pack and how to prepare in case of evacuation
We also recommend encouraging residents to sign up for real-time weather alerts, such as those provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), to stay informed about fire conditions, heatwaves, and other critical updates.
The Role of the Owners Corporation and Strata Manager
Strata committees play a vital role in facilitating climate resilience on common property. This includes:
- Scheduling maintenance ahead of fire season
- Budgeting for heat-resistant infrastructure upgrades
- Engaging professional consultants to assess environmental risks
- Educating residents on their responsibilities and how to protect their lots
Your strata manager can support this by helping coordinate maintenance activities, engage emergency services, and ensure compliance with local council or fire authority guidelines.
Building Resilient Communities
Preparing for extreme weather is no longer an optional extra—it’s a necessary part of responsible property management. By investing in fire prevention, heat mitigation, and strong emergency planning, Owners Corporations and residents alike can build safer, stronger, and more liveable communities.
At ASM Strata Management, we work closely with strata committees and residents to help properties adapt to climate risk, reduce exposure, and maintain liveability through all seasons.
If you’d like support assessing your property’s readiness for heat or fire events, or want guidance on how to improve safety and sustainability, get in touch with your local ASM branch today.