Air Quality & Catastrophic Fire Warning

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Today, and for the remainder of this week, the air quality in Sydney and for most of NSW is forecast to remain at POOR to HAZARDOUS due to the high level of smoke and air particles from the many bushfires across the state.

A catastrophic fire warning has also been issued for the Greater Sydney Region, Illawarra, Central Coast and Blue Mountains with conditions set to worsen this afternoon.

A State of Emergency has been issued by NSW State Government and approximately 600 schools across the state have been closed.

Football NSW therefore strongly recommends that all football activities that are due to take place on Tuesday, 12 November 2019 in affected areas are postponed or cancelled for the health and safety of all participants.  Organisers should then continue to monitor conditions throughout the rest of the week.

Clubs and Associations in other areas should monitor air quality levels and fire risks in their local area and carefully consider whether football activities should proceed today.  Please keep in mind that wind and fire directions can change quickly and while conditions may appear suitable earlier in the day, they can be quite different by the time training is due to start or when it ends and participants have to make their way home .

People from sensitive groups such as those with asthma, heart or lung disease, children and older adults should consider avoiding all outdoor activities.

Where a Club or Association decides to proceed with football activities, parents and/or players should make their own decision about whether they should participate and Clubs and Associations must not penalise anyone who chooses not to attend due to health and safety concerns.

 

MONITORING OF CURRENT CONDITIONS

Fire Danger Ratings for NSW

Major Fire Updates

Fires Near Me – current fires in all areas of NSW

 

Link to Current and forecast air quality – Sydney and NSW

Further Information about Air Pollution and Health CLICK HERE

 

RISKS

People with asthma: exposure to air pollution might worsen your symptoms or trigger asthma attacks. Use your reliever medicine and check you have an up to date  Asthma Action plan

  • People with lung disease, such as chronic bronchitis (also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD): exposure to air pollution might worsen your symptoms. Use your reliever medicine and see your doctor if symptoms don’t resolve.
  • People with cardiovascular (heart) disease: exposure to air pollution might induce symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain or shortness of breath. If your symptoms persist or are severe, you should seek urgent medical advice from your doctor or nearest Emergency Department.