High-risk thunderstorm asthma warning for Bass Coast and South Gippsland on Saturday
People with asthma or hay fever are urged to shelter indoors with windows and doors shut as pollen and storm winds threaten an outbreak.
A high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma has been forecast for the West and South Gippsland district, which takes in Bass Coast and South Gippsland, on Saturday October 31.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay issued the warning on Friday, with high-risk forecasts also in place for the Northern Country and East Gippsland districts.
Forecast high grass pollen levels, combined with a particular type of thunderstorm with strong winds, mean a large number of people could develop asthma symptoms over a short period.
Health and emergency services are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to respond.
“People in Northern Country, West and South Gippsland, and East Gippsland districts who have asthma or spring hay fever need to be alert and prepared while this high-risk forecast is in place,” Dr McElnay said.
People with asthma, spring hay fever or undiagnosed asthma are most at risk.
They should avoid the wind gusts before and during the storm by going inside, closing windows and doors, and turning off air conditioners that draw in outside air, such as evaporative coolers.
“The safest place to be during the strong wind gusts before and during a thunderstorm is indoors, with windows and doors closed,” Dr McElnay said.
People with asthma should keep their reliever medication with them at all times while the high-risk forecast is in place, and review their asthma action plan.
People with spring hay fever should learn asthma first aid and keep a reliever where they can get to it quickly.
“Asthma can become serious very quickly, so make sure you have your reliever medication with you and call triple zero if someone is struggling to breathe or their asthma is not improving,” Dr McElnay said.
She said people in areas with a moderate thunderstorm asthma forecast should also monitor their symptoms and keep their reliever medication handy.
Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly gets worse or is not improving, or if they are having an asthma attack and no reliever puffer is available.
For medical advice, call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor.
For urgent asthma symptoms that are not life-threatening, the free 24/7 Virtual Emergency Department is at ved.vic.gov.au.
The forecast is updated twice daily on the VicEmergency website and app.
