staying safe from bushfire smoke

The bushfires have affected and may still affect a great number of people in our community. Bushfires can affect health in many ways. It is important to be aware of the risks even if you are not directly impacted by the fires.

Bushfire smoke can affect anyone, but particularly:

• people over 65
• children 14 years and younger
• pregnant women
• those with existing heart or lung conditions, including asthma

Smoke from the fires in East Gippsland and Tasmania might cause poor air quality. Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so.

follow these steps to decrease risk from bushfire smoke:

Monitor air quality and follow health messages. Visit Vic Emergency and EPA Victoria for updates on air quality and other advice.

Follow your doctors advice about medicines and your asthma management plan if you have one. Keep your medication close at hand and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.

Avoid vigorous outdoor activity. If you live or work close to the fire and it is smoky, reduce physical outdoor exercise or heavy physical activity. If you have an existing heart or lung condition you should rest as much as possible.

Spend more time indoors. Keep the doors and windows shut to keep the smoke out. Open windows and doors whenever the smoke clears. If it is hot and you operate an air conditioner, switch it to ‘recirculate’ or ‘reuse air’.

Spend time in air-conditioned venues like cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.

Avoid indoor sources of air pollution like cigarettes, candles and incense sticks.

For more information, view this fact sheet.

Please do keep an eye out for one another and look after each other.
If you feel unwell and need advice call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 – (24 hours, 7 days)
In an emergency, call 000 immediately.

Information sourced from:
Vic Emergency
Better Health Channel
EPA Victoria