Some people in Tairāwhiti have been burning cyclone waste on their properties. And while most healthy people can tolerate small amounts of smoke exposure, smoke can affect vulnerable groups such as kids, the elderly, those who smoke cigarettes and those with underlying heart or lung disease more seriously. People who do not need to be around the fire should stay inside or remain 100m away at all times. That is the advice from Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti.
Reduce the amount of time that any one person is exposed to smoke by sharing fire-tending duties.
Try to light the fire from an upwind direction.
People should protect themselves with the right clothing, such as enclosed sturdy footwear, eye protection and a long-sleeved shirt and pants (natural materials are best).
A P2/N95 mask is encouraged.
