Student Wellbeing 

Thunderstorm Asthma

Every year between October and December there is an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. During grass pollen season there is also the chance of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event.  

Those at increased risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma include people with asthma, people with a past history of asthma, people with undiagnosed asthma (those who have asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma), and people with hay fever who may or may not have asthma. 

Having both asthma and hay fever, as well as poor control and self-management of asthma, increases the risk.

What St Fidelis will do

Thunderstorm asthma preparation:

• Ensure students have an asthma action plan and an allergy plan if required.
• Keep asthma medication readily accessible.
• Avoid being outside during thunderstorms that occur between October and December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm.
• Designated first aid staff have completed the relevant asthma first aid training and are aware and confident in administering asthma first aid.
• Subscribe to the VicEmergency app to receive warnings.

Actions Required

When the risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma is forecast as high, St Fidelis PS will be prepared to act on warnings and advice from Emergency Management Victoria, the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) by:

• implementing a communication strategy to inform the school community and parents
• implementing procedures to avoid exposure, such as staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and turning air conditioners to recirculate
• implementing emergency response procedures and following individual asthma action plans as needed.