Gold Coast residents are being urged to take health precautions in response to planned burns in the affected areas http://bit.ly/2bhbNWm
The planned burns are part of City of Gold Coast’s hazard reduction in preparation for the bushfire season (September - December).
Residents living in regions affected by the hazard reduction program are advise to take the following precautions during planned burns:
- Limit your physical activity and if you feel symptoms related to the smoke haze, stay inside with doors and windows closed.
- People with pre-existing asthma or other severe respiratory disease or heart disease may feel the effects of smoke and should limit exertion and consider staying indoors.
- Limit the outdoor activity of children as they are more likely to be affected through long hours spent outside.
- Observe the elderly and pregnant women, as they may be more susceptible to smoke effects.
- Have relevant medication at hand and if you experience symptoms contact your own doctor or 13-HEALTH.
- Keep cool but do not use an air-conditioner unless the fresh-air intake can be turned off.
- Be aware of heat stress, and drink plenty of fluids but not alcohol.
- Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles
- Do not smoke or burn anything, such as candles or incense, anywhere in the house
- Do not use household products that can increase indoor chemical pollution. These include air purifying oils/scents or sprays, cleaning sprays, pesticides and perfumes.
- Look out for elderly neighbours or other people at risk.
For real-time official emergency information including closure of roads during a serious weather event or natural disaster, visit the Queensland Government's qldalert.com and 13 19 40 Traffic and Travel information websites.
