Summer in Australia is getting hotter and hotter. Extreme high temperature events with daytime temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius are becoming more and more common, and we are increasing for several days. All of us need to prepare for hot and very hot days, prepare our homes and neighbors. Since 2016, the “Cooling the Commons” research project has been working with people living in some of the hottest neighborhoods in Sydney to learn how they cope with heat waves.

Discussion groups with residents of various parts of Western Sydney, including Penrith, Cranebrook and St Marys, highlighted many things we can do to manage heat. We published the following tips in our recent flyer.

Why can’t we just rely on air conditioning?

The official advice for extreme heat is usually to stay indoors and turn on the air conditioner. Although air conditioning can work, not everyone can afford it. Low-income families and elderly families are particularly vulnerable to bill shocks and are more likely to feel the effects of extreme heat. Air conditioners in operation also have the risk of using energy resources to further aggravate global warming. More directly, the hot exhaust air from air conditioning equipment heats up the local environment. This means that keeping a house cool will make it more difficult for neighbors to keep the house cool, making it more uncomfortable to go out.

Air conditioning in private homes can only provide a cool shelter for some people. Unless these houses have an open policy on hot days, many of us will need to find other ways to keep cool. If you have air conditioning, consider how to share air with people nearby who need it.

Prepare before the heat

Shadows are important for creating a more comfortable living space.
Determine which part of your home gets the most afternoon sun in summer. Can you plant trees or vines, or move potted plants outside the window to create a green screen? Can you attach an awning to cover the windows?

Low-cost temporary solutions can include using removable hooks to attach light-colored shade cloth to the outside of the window, or installing heavy curtains or blinds inside. Blankets and even aluminum foil are a low-cost method of insulation.

Open at night to cool the air
Can you open doors and windows overnight to cool the air? If you are concerned about safety, look for options to lock windows in the open position or use fly nets and safety grilles on doors and windows.

On a hot night, a low-cost option to keep flying insects out is to place mosquito nets above the windows or around the bed.

Use low-cost resources for advance preparation.
Ceiling fans or portable fans are one of the best ways to cool your body at high temperatures. But remember, the fan will not cool the room, so please turn off the fan when you leave the room or are burning electricity.

Find ice trays and containers to freeze water-cake tins and storage containers are a good choice. Placing them in front of a portable fan will mean that the fan blows out cool air. Putting a damp cloth on the inside of the wrist, around the ankle or on the back of the neck will lower the body temperature. Hanging damp sheets at the door or in front of a fan can help lower the temperature-although if the weather is really humid, the technique of using sheets won’t work.

How to stay cool and comfortable in hot weather

The morning may be the coolest time of the day. Open the doors and windows to cool the morning air. The best time is to exercise-walk the dog, take the children to the park, and swim. If possible, clean, cook or work outside immediately. Plan meals that do not require an oven.

Turn off when heating
As the weather starts to get warmer, please close the house-close the windows, blinds and curtains. On a really hot day, it may be 9 o’clock in the morning at the earliest. If you are going to work, please do this before leaving home.

Closing the inner door helps keep the heat in a part of the house. You need to close any hot doors in the house before the day gets hot.

Keep hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Put a pot of tap water in the refrigerator and remember to fill it up.

Don’t forget to remove the pet water cup and recliner from the sun. If you live in a dry area, putting some water bowls for extra wildlife will not hurt!

Find a cooling shelter
If your house is too hot, please find the nearest cooling shelter nearby. These are places where you can relax. A good example of not wasting money is a local swimming pool or library.

Some local councils provide a list of cooling centers on their websites.

Save air-conditioning in case of emergency
Try to save air conditioning during the hottest hours of the day. If your house is well insulated and closed for a day, it will be the most efficient and cheapest way to operate.

Take care of neighbors
Remember to check the elderly or weak neighbors. With very young children, they are usually more affected by heat and may need to cool down faster than you.

If your neighbors need it, please consider inviting them to cool off at home. When the weather is hot, let us treat the city as a social shared space rather than a collection of private spaces.