Fire and Air Quality

Be alert for on-going health risks from fires 

While the temperatures across the Grampians region have cooled, the impacts from the fires in our region and beyond these past few days will continue for days and weeks, and for some people, much longer. 

Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Health have warned that smoke from the fires is resulting in very poor air quality across most of the state, including across all parts of the Grampians region, and will remain poor for the first few days of next week.  

Smoke can trigger asthma and worsen heart disease and lung conditions, and cause eye and nose irritation, with cough, sneezing and sniffles.   

While it remains smoky avoid being outside, close windows and doors and cover gaps in windows with wet towels until the smoke clears. Turn off air-conditioners if they are drawing air in from outside.  A properly worn N95 mask can help prevent breathing in smoke particles.   If you feel unwell or are concerned about your health and think it might be caused by smoke and/or poor air quality: 

• seek medical advice from your doctor 
• contact NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 
• In an emergency, always call Triple Zero 000. 
• For more information https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke  

Other important safety tips for right now include: 

• Heat - The effects of our recent record high temperatures can linger, and making sure you drink plenty of water will help your body to recover.  If your doctor has told you need to limit your fluid intake then talk them about how much you can drink to keep your body in balance during and after spells of extreme heat.   

Stay safe at times of extreme heat by staying cool and drinking water, avoiding being outside in the heat of the day, phoning and staying connected with family and friends, and paying attention to emergency alerts (as we have found out, heat and fire and other dangers can occur at the same time).   For more information see https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat  

• Power outages can mean that refrigerated food is spoiled and unsafe to eat.  Freezer and fridge foods no longer cool to touch must be eaten and/or cooked within four hours or discarded.  
• Tank water used for drinking can become contaminated if ash has fallen where you are, which can happen a long way away from a fire.  If your water looks, smells or tastes unusual, do not drink it and do not give it to animals (it can be used for the garden). Use bottled or town water if available. Your roof will need to be washed down and your tank cleaned out to remove ash before again drinking any water collected on your roof. 

Remember also that at this time you may still be exposed to respiratory and other infections.  

• Influenza A, COVID19, and RSV respiratory infections are being seen across our community at higher levels than usual. Stay home and rest if you have symptoms. Protect others by wearing a mask if you have to go out. People at high risk of severe impacts should make sure to keep their vaccinations up to date.  
• Potentially deadly Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes in our region this summer.  Protect yourself from mosquito bites by covering up with light clothing, avoiding being outside at dawn and dusk, and using a personal insect repellant containing picaridin.  
• Look after yourself -  the weather can affect our health and well-being, and bring on strong emotions and even physical reactions when extreme events like heatwave and fires occur. Perhaps you have been directly affected this time, you live close by, you have been part of the emergency response, or  you have had a distressing experience before. Staying connected with others and talking about how you are feeling are important practical steps which can help.   

For additional support, there are many free mental health support services across Victoria. These provide crisis support, information, resources, counselling and therapy to people of all ages.   The Better Health Channels has contact details for Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals and Hubs, which are free – you don’t need a GP referral or Medicare card.