Deer Park West Primary School Newsletter

Health & Wellbei

Thunderstorm Asthma

There is an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and epidemic thunderstorm asthma during seasons with increased grass pollen levels. In Victoria, this is typically between October and December.

 

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of higher grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm.

People with a history of asthma, undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are at risk under these conditions. This risk is increased further for people who have poorly treated hay fever and asthma.

 

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan, provided by a GP or specialist.

How to prepare for grass pollen season

To prepare for higher grass pollen levels:

  • review our Asthma policy and your school’s asthma policy, and ensure appropriate staff are trained in asthma first aid
  • ensure all students diagnosed with asthma have an up-to-date asthma action plan, a student health support plan and student medication, including relievers (puffers)
  • encourage staff and students with a history of seasonal hay fever symptoms to see a GP if they don’t have a hay fever treatment plan
  • record preparations and response actions in your school Emergency Management Plan
  • download the VicEmergency app and create a ‘watch zone’ to receive epidemic thunderstorm asthma advice and warnings
  • ensure your school has an asthma emergency kit with in-date emergency reliever medication (available from a pharmacy without a prescription)
  • keep asthma medication readily accessible
  • communicate information about thunderstorm asthma and your preparations to your school community. Template content is available to help you share this information.

Managing risk

If a thunderstorm is forecast or occurs between October and December:

  • avoid having anyone outside, especially during wind gusts that arrive before the storm
  • close all doors and windows
  • ensure air conditioners are set to recirculate air, and not to bring air in from outside.

At all other times, schools should ventilate rooms with fresh air as much as possible.

For more information about maximising ventilation in schools, including the appropriate use and placement of air purifiers, refer to our Ventilation and Air Purification policy and the How to use an air purifier fact sheet.

Policy, guidance and resources

Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:

Find out more

For more information, refer to:

For information on responding to epidemic thunderstorm asthma, contact the operations and emergency management manager or emergency management support officer in your region.