Safety and supports during bushfire crisis

All of us at Amaze are deeply saddened by the ongoing bushfire situation across Victoria, and the rest of Australia. We would like to acknowledge the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and other individuals and organisations working tirelessly  to protect homes and save lives. Amaze is working with our partner organisations and sector colleagues to support  autistic people and their families who have been affected by the bushfires.

Below is some information on how our community can keep safe, and supports available for autistic people and their families.

Community advice

Keeping safe

Emergency Victoria has information on incidents across Victoria, including fire warnings.

Health

There is a current Air Quality alert for the whole of Victoria, with advice on keeping safe during hazy, smoky times. The EPA also has information on Smoke and your health. 

Australian Medical Association Vice President and respiratory physician Dr Chris Zappala warned some people could have respiratory disease they were not aware of.“Being undiagnosed and unmedicated is a new risk for some people who, but for fire and smoke exposure, appear otherwise healthy,” Dr Zappala said. “Anyone who develops breathlessness, wheeziness, chest tightness, or a persistent cough should seek medical attention immediately. Borrowing someone else’s inhaler or using over-the-counter Ventolin is not recommended.”

Always seek medical advice before taking any medications, and in the event of an emergency call 000 immediately.

Supports for fire affected communities

NDIS supports

Every Australian Counts has information for NDIS participants affected by the fires.

Amaze Autism Advisors

Our Autism Advisors are available 8am – 7pm weekdays, and can provide information on peer support groups, emergency care options, and more. Visit our website for contact details.

Natural Disaster Recovery storybooks for families

The Queensland Government has created “Birdie Stories” flipbooks – natural disaster resources for explaining events to children, free to download on their website. There are individual books for fires, cyclones, very hot days, sickness, floods, drought and earthquakes. Some of these books are available in multiple languages.
*Birdie Stories are not autism specific, and may not be suitable for all children.

Download the Birdie Stories flipbooks.

Sensory toys and other items needed for fire-affected communities.

Members of our community have brought the following East Gippsland requests for sensory items to our attention:

• Sensory Oasis for Kids – Clifton Creek Primary School
• Sensory Connect – Evacuation / Relief Centre Bairnsdale sensory items. Our friends at The Therapy Store are donating a big box of sensory items, and also $1 per order from their store.