Victorians, including those in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, are being told to prepare for high-risk thunderstorm asthma days and take action to stay safe throughout this year’s grass pollen season.
Throughout the peak of the season from now until December 31, the state’s world-leading Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecast System which is set to operate.
Providing a three-day forecast across Victoria’s nine weather districts, the system will indicate a low (green), moderate (orange) or high (red) risk forecast – alerting those with asthma or hay fever when they should avoid exposure outdoors.
Those most at risk should ensure they take any prescribed medication as directed and develop or follow their asthma action plan or use asthma first aid if they experience symptoms.
On high-risk forecast days, people with asthma or hay fever can reduce their risk by avoiding the outdoors, particularly the wind gusts that can begin before storms.
These people should remain indoors to reduce the chance of exposure, close all windows and doors, and switch off any air conditioners that bring air in from outside.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma occurs when many people develop asthma symptoms over a short time caused by high amounts of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm.
The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast is available daily through the VicEmergency website and app –Victorians can set up a watch zone to receive advice and warnings for their area.
The forecast is also on health.vic.gov.au and melbournepollen.com.au or the Melbourne Pollen app.
For more information on thunderstorm asthma, visit the betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma.
