There are some key actions everyone at increased risk can take:

• Learn about epidemic thunderstorm asthma and what you can do to help protect yourself during grass pollen season.
• Be aware of epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts and, where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October through December – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows, and if you have your air conditioner on, turn it to recirculate.
• If you have asthma, have an updated asthma action plan that includes a reference to epidemic thunderstorm asthma and have practical knowledge of the four steps of asthma first aid.
• Have reliever medication available in grass pollen season and know how to use it (ideally with a spacer).
• Be alert to and act on the development of asthma symptoms as explained in your asthma action plan, if you have one, or if you don’t, use asthma first aid.