Bushfire health and safety
Bushfires have become a part of Australian life. Learn how to protect your health, prepare for a natural disaster, know which health conditions put you at greater risk, and limit the stress that bushfires can cause you and those around you.
There are several tools and apps to help you deal with or prepare for an emergency.
Bushfires and your health
Find out if you or your health are at risk from bushfires, as well as how to prepare, taking into account your health needs and the needs of those you care for.
Getting a face mask? Get the right one
Not all face masks can protect you properly from bushfire smoke. Know how to choose the right one and to stay safe when the air is poor quality.
First aid for burns
If you suffer a serious burn, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. You might also have to provide first aid since it’s important to treat burns quickly.
Natural disaster safety
Learn how to cope both during and after a bushfire, or other natural disaster, and find out more about the sources of help and information available.
Hot weather risks
Get tips here on how to stay well during hot weather and learn about the symptoms and conditions to look out for.
5 ways to protect your health from the effects of climate change
Here’s what you need to know about the impact of climate change on your health and what you can do to protect yourself.
Bushfires and mental health
The losses of life and property caused by a natural disaster often bring on mental health problems, such as depression, both in the short and the long term. Whether you are directly or indirectly affected, there are warning signs to look out for but also plenty of help and information available.
Bushfire Support Service
Bushfires can cause high levels of stress to the first responders working to keep Australian communities safe.
Mental health specialists, the Black Dog Institute and UNSW Sydney have developed the Bush Fire Support Service (BFSS) — free mental health support for emergency service workers affected by bushfires (and their partners).
To learn more, go to blackdoginstitute.org.au/bush-fire-support-service.
Distress and trauma support
If you have been affected by a bushfire disaster, you can access mental health support. Learn more about what support is available via Services Australia.
Where to get help
Community health services, websites and helplines are just some of the sources of help and information available to those affected by bushfires. Learn more here.
Dealing with depression
Depression is a normal response to a natural disaster. Find out here what to do if you think you are suffering from depression.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a treatable but sometimes long-lasting anxiety disorder. It’s important to know the symptoms – learn more here.
More mental health information
A natural disaster, such as a bushfire, can be devastating, but you can be confident in the support and sources of help. Find out more.
Health conditions that put you at greater risk
Bushfires create smoke that can spread far from the site of the fire. Learn here about asthma, breathing problems and other health conditions that may put you at greater risk when the air quality is poor.
Asthma
Bushfire smoke can trigger an asthma attack, putting those living with asthma at greater risk. Know what to do if you or someone else is affected.
Breathing problems
Experiencing a breathing problem can signal a medical emergency. Know the symptoms and causes, and when you should seek help urgently.
Other lung conditions
A wide range of lung conditions could be affected by bushfire smoke. Find out about some of the main ones here.
Heart conditions
Heart failure or attack, angina, cardiomyopathy, hypertension and coronary disease and atherosclerosis may be affected by smoke. Find out more here.
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