Wildfire Smoke

•  Whenever possible, stay out of the smoke. Stay indoors when it is practical and safe to do so.  
• Avoid going outside and do not exercise outdoors while smoke is present.  
• Close all doors and windows to reduce smoke coming into your home.  
• Seal gaps under doors or around windows and wall vents with damp towels, blankets, tape or paper.  
• Consider bringing pets inside away from smoke or heat.  
• When indoors:  
  • avoid other sources of indoor air pollution such as: smoking cigarettes, vaping, burning candles, using wood burners, or stirring up fine dust by sweeping or vacuuming. 
  • Homes with air conditioners should use them with HEPA.  If the air conditioner has no filter, use it on recirculation mode only (turn off temperature modulation).  During prolonged or heavy smoke events the filters may need cleaning or replacing more frequently.  Turn off temperature modulation (that is, ensure the fan is on) to ensure air circulates.  

• If the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre for a break if it is safe to do so. 
• When smoke levels outside clear up, open windows and doors to flush with fresh air.  
• When cleaning, use a damp mop or damp dust cloth, to minimise stirring up settled particles. 
• Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly, those in ill-health and those who live alone. 
• Consider storing spare filters at home. 

Heat stress risk  

When doors and windows are closed in hot weather, there is an increased risk of heat stress in homes with no air conditioning. Heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can be severe and even fatal. Warning signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, paleness, confusion, fainting (passing out) and dizziness.  

To keep cool and prevent overheating: 

• Wear light loose clothing  
• Create a cool compress by wetting a towel with cool water and placing it around the neck or on the forehead.  
• Take cool showers and baths 
• Drink plenty of water  

• Anyone with a heart or lung condition should follow any management plan advised by their doctor. 
• Anyone with asthma should ensure their personal asthma plan is up to date and follow it.  
• Anyone who needs to leave their home due to a fire or very smoky conditions should take necessary prescriptions and medications with them.  

• Minimise time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so.  
• If you MUST go outdoors, postpone, or shorten your time outdoors or reschedule tasks to smoke-free/less smoky areas or times of the day. Take frequent breaks inside cleaner air spaces (such as enclosed structures or vehicles with recirculating or filtered air).  
• People aged over 65 years, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity. Where possible (and where people are not under direct threat from wildfires), limit time spent outdoors.  
• If you are experiencing symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, or anyone in your care is experiencing such symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 and seek medical advice.  
• If you experience difficulty breathing or heaviness/tightness in the chest (or shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or tummy), or other concerning or worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical assistance – call 111.  
• For regular updates on what you should do, listen to your local emergency radio station.  

If you need to evacuate local authorities will inform you.  

If you are asked to evacuate: 

• Close all doors and windows 
• Disconnect water tanks and cover any openings 
• Secure your home when you leave 

For further information on how to minimise water and food spoilage, and ensure your food is safe to consume, see here.

For information on the welfare of your animals in a fire, see here.

• Ash from forest fires is usually non-toxic however ash from built structures may contain substances that may be harmful because of synthetic and other materials present in buildings. Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead.  A more cautious approach therefore may be needed when cleaning up after a wildfire.  Follow the current public health advice. 
• Do not consume any food, beverages or medication that has been exposed to burn debris, ash, or chemical fire retardant. Food exposed to smoke maybe contaminated and may not be safe to eat.  
• Wear protective clothing and equipment (such as long-sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.  
• Well-fitting face masks or respirators will provide some protection during clean-up.  

• In most cases, gently sweeping indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is the best way to clean up ash residue. A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas. Avoid washing ash into storm drains whenever possible. If you wet down ash, use as little water as possible. 
• Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (for example, dry sweeping) that will put ash and particles into the air. Many shop vacuums and common vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles; rather, they blow fine particles out the exhaust into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with HEPA filters.  

For information on drinking water, see here.

For information on self care and wellness during an emergency, see here.

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