Smog alerts 

EPA research has shown Melbourne's smog episodes can be predicted with relative accuracy. EPA has developed a smog alert system to forecast smog days.

Forecasts are based on:

• meteorological data and forecasts supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology
• pollutant data recorded by EPA's air monitoring network.

Smog alerts are issued to the media on the day before a potential episode. The media usually include smog alerts in their weather segment and on the front page of daily newspapers. You can subscribe to the EPA Smog Alert Notification (free subscription) or check the voice recorded message reporting Melbourne's air quality, available via EPA's Pollution Watch Line:

• Melbourne – 9695 2777 (24 hours)
• outside Melbourne – 1800 444 004 (24 hours).

These alerts aim to assist the public and industry. On smog alert days:

• industry is asked to minimise emissions as much as possible
• motorists are asked to take public transport rather than drive their cars
• householders are urged not to burn off outdoors or light incinerators (most local councils have restrictions on burning off); if an alternative source of heating is available, residents are asked not to use solid fuel heaters.

Get more information on what you should do on smog alert days.

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