Don’t wait for the official declaration

While the Bureau of Meteorology hasn’t yet declared an El Niño in 2023, that’s not a reason to ignore the onset of the summer season and the anticipated perils created by dry conditions.

Australia’s climate drivers

Australia’s weather is influenced by many different climate features, but El Niño and La Niña undoubtedly have the biggest influence. Both have global impacts on weather, bushfires, ecosystems and economies.

El Niño typically means:

Reduced rainfall Warmer temperatures

Shift in temperature extremes Increased frost risk

Less tropical cyclones Later monsoon season

Increased fire danger (in southeast Australia) Decreased alpine snow depths

La Niña typically means:

Increased rainfall

Cooler daytime temperatures (south of the tropics) Warmer overnight temperatures (in the north)

Shift in temperature extremes Decreased frost risk

More tropical cyclones Earlier monsoon season

According to the National Ocean Service, cycles of El Niño and La Niña typically last nine to 12 months but can sometimes last longer. The last La Niña for example, started in late 2020 and ran until mid-2022. They typically occur every two to seven years, but they’re unpredictable and don’t work to a set schedule! And El Niño generally occurs more frequently than La Niña.

El Niño sees rainfall move away from the western Pacific region. This means Australia’s rainfall is usually reduced during winter and spring, particularly across the eastern and northern parts of the continent.

Nine of the ten driest winter/spring periods on record for eastern Australia occurred during El Niño years*.

A dry warm period forecast in most states and territories

While no official El Niño has been declared, ongoing weather patterns in the region suggest it’s coming. Although a declaration would give emergency services more predictability about dry and hot conditions during the summer, long-range weather forecasts show the next three months are set to be hot and dry regardless. The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has large parts of eastern and central Australia marked in red in its recent outlook.

It may seem surprising that after three years of heavy rain during La Niña, the risk of bushfire should be so high. However, the excessive rain has led to the rapid regrowth of vegetation and this increases the risk of fire, particularly in grassy areas.

It’s not only a current risk. The combination of decreased rainfall and increased maximum temperatures brought by an El Niño increases the frequency of high fire danger ratings and the risk of a significant fire danger season (particularly in southeast Australia) in the subsequent year too.

Tips to prepare yourself and your property

You might not be able to change the weather, but you can make sure people and properties are prepared with some simple steps.

1. Consider health and welfare issues

Extreme heat or protracted periods of high temperatures are harmful to our health and to our pets and other animals. Look out for vulnerable residents and animals where possible.

2. Carry out regular property inspections

Regular property inspections can help owners stay ahead of any issues and ensure they’re prepared for all weather conditions.

• Make sure gutters are free of leaves and twigs and install metal gutter guards.
• Repair damaged or missing roof tiles.
• Install fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors.
• Repair or seal any gaps around windows and doors, or in external walls.
• Enclose areas under outdoor decks and floors.
• Ensure air-conditioning units have been serviced.
• Keep lawns and gardens well maintained, including pruning overhanging trees and shrubs.
• Ensure hoses are long enough to reach around the property.
• If you have a pool, tank or dam, put a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign on your property entrance, so firefighters know where they can get water.
• Make sure if there’s a fire hydrant outside your scheme it’s easily located and unobstructed.
• Ensure clear access to stairwells and other areas for emergency services.

3. Have a plan and share it

In the event of an emergency, like a bushfire, make sure everyone in your scheme knows what to do. Create a plan that includes everyone knowing where the nearest community evacuation area is, how emergency services will be contacted and include links for people to check the latest alerts, weather forecasts etc.

4. Review insurance policies

Now is a good time to check your level of insurance cover. Whether it’s strata insurance for the building or contents insurance for your personal belongings, make sure you have an adequate sum insured so you’re not left underinsured if an event occurs. Speak to BCB if you’re unsure.

United, protecting communities

We all have a role to play in helping protect the communities we represent. As a broker, our role is to help prepare for insured events and reduce the likelihood of a claim, as well as help you navigate through the claims process if you are impacted.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes…take action today.

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Swallow at wa@bcb.com.au or call 08 6245 5300.

Body Corporate Brokers recommends seeking advice from a qualified lawyer on any legal issues affecting you before acting on any legal matter. Whilst Body Corporate Brokers endeavour to ensure that the content of this information sheet is accurate, it does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy or completeness and is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of or in relation to the use of this information sheet

*  http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/updates/articles/a008-el-nino-and-australia.shtml

Western Australia

08 6245 5300

wa@bcb.com.au

155b, 22 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000

PO Box 5655, Perth St Georges Terrace WA 6831