Health officials have warned residents of the hazardous air quality impacting the Southern Tablelands, and to prepare for extreme heat in the coming days.
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Smoke lowers air quality
People have been advised to stay indoors and avoid exercise or strenuous outdoor activity.
Smoke from bushfires is lowering the air quality and this may affect people with already diagnosed respiratory conditions. Elderly people and those with heart and lung conditions are most at risk.
The Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has advised people to avoid vigorous outdoor physical activity in bushfire smoke.
The advice is to stay indoors, with the doors and windows closed, to avoid irritations to the eyes, nose and throat, and to avoid aggravating existing medical conditions.
People with asthma or a lung condition should follow their survival plan and carry medications with them.
For more information visit health.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-smoke
Residents advised to beat the heat.
Health officials have warned people about the serious impact of heat exposure with temperatures expected to tip 40 degrees Celsius this week.
The SNSWLHD advises people to watch out for their elderly neighbours and relatives and to have a plan if something goes wrong.
"Our bodies have to work very hard and produce a lot of sweat to keep cool when the weather is very hot," SNSWLHD public health unit director Tracey Oakman said.
"Look out for family, neighbours and other community members who may be more vulnerable to heat stress, or more prone to heat-related illnesses. Babies and children, older adults, people who are sick or unwell, and those with a chronic illness may all be more susceptible to heat stress.
"It's also a good idea to always have drinking water on hand and to drink plenty of it; to stay indoors or in the shade whenever possible, and to keep your body cool by having air circulating around you," said Ms Oakman.
People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical help. Symptoms could include restlessness; irritability; light-headedness, and; feeling confused, weak or faint.
Health officials reminded residents of the dangers of leaving an unattended pet or person inside a closed parked car.
"Never leave a person, particularly a child, older adult or a pet, inside a closed parked car, as the exposure to high temperatures inside can cause serious permanent injuries (damage to the brain or other vital organs), and in extreme cases, can result in death."
For more information visit health.nsw.gov.au/beattheheat
In case of an emergency always dial triple zero (000).
