What should I do on a smog alert day?

• People with respiratory or cardiac disorders should take their medication and minimise strenuous outdoor activity on smog alert days.

• Motorists should take public transport rather than drive their cars

• Householders should not burn off outdoors or light incinerators (most local councils have restrictions on burning off); if an alternative source of heating is available, residents shouldn't use solid fuel heaters.

It is also important to make sure that:

• vehicles are well maintained
• wood heaters are used correctly.

Important contacts

• EPA's Smog Alert Notification (free subscription)

• 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).

• Contact the by-laws officer of your local council for assistance in dealing with problems associated with incinerators and burning.

• The Department of Human Services (DHS) website gives details on the health effects of smog.

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