Staying Safe from Heat & Smoke

Media release – Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, 31 January 2025

Tasmanians reminded how to stay safe from the heat and bushfire smoke

A series of hot days are forecast across Tasmania this weekend and early next week. Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch reminds Tasmanians about how to stay safe in the hot weather.

“Hot weather can increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, some people living with disability or medical conditions, or who are unwell,” Dr Veitch said.

“It’s important that everyone in the community, especially those at higher risk, knows how they can best protect themselves and others during hot weather.

“Hot weather can affect anyone and there are simple steps you can take to stay safe in the hot weather and help protect others from potential effects of heat.

Dr Veitch also reminded Tasmanians how to stay safe if it is smoky from bushfires.

“Keeping safe from fire danger is always the highest priority, so make sure to follow emergency advice,” said Dr Veitch.

“The people who are at risk of heat related illness are also at risk from smoky conditions. Make sure you know how to stay safe, including reducing your exposure to smoke if you experience these conditions.

“If you’re likely to be in smoky conditions for more than a day or two, consider if you can safely temporarily relocate to a place unaffected by smoke.

“This is particularly important for those at increased risk from smoke, such as people with asthma and other lung conditions.”

Information on how to stay safe in the hot weather, symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do when it’s smoky are outlined below.

To stay safe in the hot weather:

• Stay up to date with bushfire and smoke alerts.
• Plan your day to minimise strenuous activities and time spent outside, especially during the hottest part of the day
• Limit your time in the sun and wear light coloured, long, loose-fitting clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Seek shade where possible if you are at an outdoor event.
• Use fans or air-conditioners and draw blinds and curtains to keep the heat out.
• Keep windows and doors closed if it’s hotter outside than inside and reopen them once the weather has cooled.
• Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check on family and relatives, friends and neighbors, especially if they are at higher risk of being affected by heat.
• Know the symptoms and signs of heat-related illness.
• If needed seek medical advice from your GP or by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call 000 for help – heat-related illness can be life threatening.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• sweating heavily
• having a raised body temperature
• headache
• feeling dizzy or faint
• feeling tired and lethargic
• reduced appetite
• feeling thirsty and dry mouth
• rapid heart rate
• passing less urine than usual
• being irritable or difficulty thinking clearly
• twitching or having painful muscle cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen.

Know what to do if it is smoky:

• If you have a medical condition, make sure you can manage your symptoms and medications, and do all you can to avoid smoke.
• Stay indoors and avoid physical activity outdoors.
• Keep household doors and windows closed; if possible, turn home air-conditioners and car ventilation to re-circulate indoor air.
• If safe to do so, consider visiting a nearby air-conditioned space such as a shopping centre, library or cinema, or temporarily stay with a friend or relative away from the smoke-affected area.
• Specialised P2/N95 masks will filter smoke particles but need an airtight seal on your face to work; this can be difficult to achieve, particularly for children. If you have heart or lung conditions, ask your doctor about using masks safely.
• Consider using a portable air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA filter, set up in a well-sealed room the right size for the filter.

For further information:

• about staying safe when it is hot or smoky visit: www.health.tas.gov.au
• about bushfire and smoke warnings and emergency information go to the TasALERT website, you can also download the TasALERT app.
• about fire-related matters, visit the Tasmania Fire Service website.
• Check your local news or radio for smoke warnings in your area

Media release – Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 31 January 2025

Tasmanians encouraged to stay safe this hot weather weekend

With very hot conditions expected across parts of the state this weekend, the Tasmanian Government is urging Tasmanians to use common sense and ensure they heed the warnings from emergency services.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, encouraged Tasmanians to keep up to date with advice, make informed decisions, and look after their family, friends and neighbours.

The Tasmania Fire Service will suspend fire permits statewide from 2am, Saturday 1 February as it prepares for high fire danger across the state this weekend and into early next week.

“This is a timely reminder that preparing a bushfire plan could save your life and the lives of those you love,” Minister Ellis said.

“It’s important that those living in high-risk areas have an up-to-date bushfire plan and familiarise themselves with it so you know what to do if a fire threatens your property.

“The TasAlert App – which is a primary source of truth in an emergency – can be downloaded now.

“I want to thank our emergency services who are standing by and ready to be deployed to keep Tasmanians safe.

“Our emergency management teams are already preparing for any fire events that may occur, and the Government is standing ready to provide all necessary resources. Whatever supports are needed will be made available.

“As Tasmanians, we come together and help each other during the tough times. The next few days will be no different.

Find about more about how to create a bushfire plan here: https://bushfire.tas.gov.au