Summer is here and this year it is set to be a scorcher. Some experts are even predicting it may be Australia’s hottest summer on record.

This is due to a combination of the intensifying weather conditions caused by climate change, and the start of an El Niño climate cycle, which is known to bring Australia prolonged periods of warm weather.

Summer, with its longer days, cloudless weather, and festive year-end holidays, offers the perfect time to be out and about with friends and family. But it does not come without risk. Taking precautions in this heat is a must.

Here are some things to keep in mind over the summer period.

1. Be ready for intense weather

Being sun smart and staying hydrated are crucial especially during intense weather conditions, like heatwaves, single-day temperature extremes and long-duration warm spells.

Heatwaves are our most dangerous natural hazard, and in Australia, typically range from 37°C to 42°C. Individuals most affected by heatwaves are often those most vulnerable in our society, including the elderly, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions. You can reduce your risk during heatwaves by keeping hydrated, staying cool and keeping out of the heat as much as possible.

If you live in a bushfire prone area, follow the advice given by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Heatwaves are also life-threatening to our native wildlife. For example, flying foxes are susceptible to heat stress and death if temperatures are above 38°C or when there is a combination of high heat and high humidity. To stay cool, flying foxes will typically spread into lower vegetation. This may result in them ending up in unexpected locations on your property. Do not disturb them. If a flying fox is injured or has come to ground in your backyard do not touch it. Keep people and pets away and contact 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local bat rescue group for advice.

2. Keep a close eye on wildlife

You can support local wildlife during hot weather by providing water sources for them. Put bowls of water around your home or property to help wildlife stay hydrated in summer. Having water bowls up high will help birds, while placing them on the ground will help our ground-dwelling wildlife and animals coming out of trees like koalas.

If you have a pool, pond or similar, you can also put a makeshift ramp on the side or attach a thick rope to a floating object and a nearby fence or tree so that animals hopping in to cool down can get out safely. Just make sure you keep your pets away. If you discover sick, injured or orphaned wildlife which are not dangerous, you can contact 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for advice.

When it comes to your pets, make sure they also have plenty of water available, as well as a shady place to relax. Cats and dogs are more likely to overheat than humans because they can't sweat as much to cool down.

Signs your pets may be affected by the heat include behaviour changes, disinterest in food and water, isolating themselves and heavy panting.

3. Take care in nature

If you decide to visit a park or forest, make sure to take the following steps:

• Check QPWS Park Alerts to find out the latest information on access, closures, and conditions.
• Keep an eye on bushfire alerts and marine warnings.
• Look up the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Ensure your chosen activity and route is appropriate for your fitness level.
• Tell someone reliable where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Carry a well-stocked first aid kit, and be sure to include a few bandages, a compress, some safety pins, tweezers, tape, swabs, and some pain killers.
• If you’re heading out for a half or full day on the water or in the bush, you should carry at least 3-4 litres of water.

Visit our website for a full list of safety advice to keep in mind when visiting one of our parks.

Be Crocwise in Croc Country

No waterway in Croc Country can ever be considered crocodile free. They can be found in both freshwater and saltwater locations hundreds of kilometres inland. If you’re in Croc Country you need to take extra precautions if you decide to go fishing, camping or swimming.

The best ways you can reduce your risk are to:

• Stay at least 5m from the water's edge.
• Dispose of food and fish scraps in a bin or take them home.
• Keep pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge.
• Avoid using small watercrafts like kayaks and paddleboards.
• Stay clear of crocodile traps.

You can learn more about crocodile behaviours and specific Be crocwise actions to follow by visiting our website.

Be Dingo-safe on K’gari

While enjoying our amazing national parks, such as K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) it's easy to forget there are wild animals living there, and some, like dingoes, can be dangerous.

Being Dingo-safe means: never feed dingoes, never be alone, and never run on K’gari—as this can trigger a wild dingo’s instinct to chase. Always keep kids within arm’s reach and carry a safety stick (such as an umbrella or hiking pole) to deter dingoes from coming too close.

Visit our website to find more information on how to be dingo-safe on K’gari.

Look out for snakes

Snakes are more active during summer. If you encounter one, try your best not to panic. Back away to a safe distance and allow the snake to move away. Snakes often want to escape when disturbed, and when left alone, they present little or no danger to people. However, if a snake feels threatened, it can become defensive.

If you find a snake on your property, be sure to contact a licensed contractor who can remove it safely.

If hiking, always stay on formed paths or tracks so that you can see and avoid snakes, wear protective clothing like covered shoes and trousers, and carry a first-aid kit that contains pressure bandages.

You should also know how to treat a snake bite if one occurs.

4. Be mindful on the water

If you’re out on the water this summer, it’s your duty to ensure the safety of both yourself and the marine wildlife in your surrounding environment. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Stay informed: heed marine warnings and current weather conditions in your area.
• Go slow for those below: Avoid shallow seagrass areas, but if you can't, reduce your speed to below 10 knots and exercise caution. Turtles and dugongs may venture into unfamiliar areas while searching for seagrass. Be aware and give them space.
• Stay away from nesting seabirds: If disturbed, adult birds can abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to heat, cold and predation.
• Get the marine park user guides: Familiarise yourself with speed restrictions and regulations in different areas. There are three state marine parks in Queensland: Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, Great Sandy Marine Park, and Moreton Bay Marine Park.
• Don't feed dolphins: It teaches them to associate boats with free food. This puts them in danger of being struck by vessels or becoming entangled in fishing gear if they begin to approach boats for food.
• Always Be Crocwise if you are in Croc Country.

If you see a stranded marine mammal this summer, take an accurate note of your location and make a report to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on the Wildlife Hotline: 1300 130 372.