WHY MONSOON SAFETY MATTERS

Rain is important. It helps plants grow, fills water sources and can make the weather cooler.

But heavy monsoon rain can also change familiar places.

A road, footpath, school entrance or residential street that is normally easy to use may become wet, slippery or waterlogged. Strong storms can also bring fallen branches, damaged objects or other hazards.

The safest choice is not to explore these hazards.

Notice the change. Stop. Choose a safe place. Tell a responsible adult.

WALKING IN THE RAIN

Wet surfaces can be slippery.

When walking during rain:

• Walk carefully.
• Do not run on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Use safe walking areas as directed by a responsible adult.
• Pay attention to where you are going.
• Follow the instructions of a responsible adult.

Why?

Running on a wet surface can make it harder to keep your balance. Taking your time helps you make safer choices.

Rain smart means slowing down and staying alert.

STAY AWAY FROM FLOODWATER

Heavy rain can cause water to collect in roads, paths, low-lying places and other areas.

Do not walk or play in floodwater.

Remember:

• Do not enter moving water.
• Do not assume water is safe because it looks shallow.
• Stay away from waterlogged roads and areas when a responsible adult tells you to.
• Never take a shortcut through a flooded or unfamiliar area.
• If your normal route is blocked, stop and ask a responsible adult for help.

Why?

Water can move, hide hazards and make familiar places difficult to judge.

If water is blocking your way: stop and tell an adult.

HIDDEN HAZARDS UNDER WATER

Water can cover things that you cannot see.

Floodwater or waterlogging may hide:

• Open drains
• Pits or holes
• Uneven surfaces
• Debris
• Other objects or hazards

You cannot always tell what is underneath water just by looking at it.

Do not step into water to check what is underneath.

Do not poke, test or investigate the water.

Why?

A hidden hole, drain, uneven surface or object could make the area unsafe.

See water covering an unfamiliar area? Stay away and tell a responsible adult.

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

Thunderstorms can make outdoor conditions unsafe.

When there is lightning or a thunderstorm:

• Follow responsible-adult instructions.
• Move indoors when instructed.
• Stay away from exposed outdoor areas.
• Do not go outside to watch lightning or a storm.
• Stay where a responsible adult tells you to stay.

Why?

Storm conditions can change quickly. A responsible adult can help decide when it is safer to remain indoors.

You do not need to investigate a storm. Stay indoors when told and follow instructions.

FALLEN WIRES AND ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Heavy rain and storms may be followed by fallen objects, including electrical wires.

If you see a fallen electrical wire:

STAY AWAY.

• Never touch the wire.
• Never touch anything that is touching the wire.
• Do not approach it to investigate.
• Tell a responsible adult immediately.

Do not try to move the wire or anything around it.

Why?

You cannot safely tell just by looking whether a fallen electrical wire is dangerous.

Notice → Stop → Stay away → Tell an adult.

FALLEN TREES, BRANCHES AND DAMAGED STRUCTURES

Storms can leave branches, trees or other objects on the ground. Buildings or structures may also appear damaged.

If you see something that has fallen or looks damaged:

• Stay away.
• Do not climb on fallen trees or branches.
• Do not play on damaged structures.
• Do not move branches, debris or other objects.
• Tell a responsible adult.
• Follow local warnings or instructions given by responsible adults or authorities.

Why?

A damaged object may be unstable even when it looks safe.

Do not investigate. Let a responsible adult decide what to do.

WHEN ROADS BECOME UNSAFE

Heavy rain can make normal travel more difficult.

A familiar road may become slippery, waterlogged or difficult to use.

Remember:

• Stay with a responsible adult.
• Do not take shortcuts through flooded areas.
• Do not enter unfamiliar waterlogged areas.
• If a route looks unsafe, stop and ask an adult.
• Follow the route and instructions chosen by the responsible adult.

Why?

The safest route during heavy rain may not be the usual route.

If something looks unsafe, stopping is a smart choice.

AT SCHOOL

During heavy rain or storms at school:

• Follow your teacher’s instructions.
• Stay in the designated safe area.
• Do not play in waterlogged areas.
• Do not approach fallen wires.
• Stay away from damaged structures.
• Do not investigate storm debris.
• Ask a teacher or another responsible adult if you are unsure what to do.

Remember

Your job is to notice, stay safe and tell an adult — not to investigate the hazard.

MONSOON SAFETY KIT

Being prepared can make monsoon days easier.

A family may plan for things such as:

• Appropriate rain protection
• Safe drinking water
• A charged communication device managed by an adult, where appropriate

The important thing is not to collect lots of equipment.

It is to be prepared, know the family routine and know which responsible adult to ask for help.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM UNSURE?

Sometimes you may not know whether a road, path, puddle or damaged area is safe.

You do not have to figure it out alone.

Use this simple decision:

STOP → STAY IN A SAFE PLACE → TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

For example:

“I am not sure this is safe. Can you help me?”

Asking for help is a safe and sensible choice.

REMEMBER

RAIN SMART

Walk carefully.
Pay attention to changing conditions.

STAY ALERT

Notice slippery surfaces, waterlogging, storms and fallen objects.

STAY AWAY FROM HIDDEN HAZARDS

Do not enter floodwater.
Do not investigate covered drains, pits, debris or damaged areas.
Stay away from fallen electrical wires.

TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

If something looks unsafe or you are unsure what to do, ask an adult for help.

Your monsoon safety rule:

NOTICE → STOP → STAY SAFE → TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

ASK YOURSELF

Think about each situation and explain why your choice is safer.

1. You are walking home with an adult and your usual path is covered with water. What should you do, and why?
2. You see a large puddle covering part of a familiar path. You cannot see the ground underneath it. Why is staying out of the water the safer choice?
3. A thunderstorm begins while you are outside. Why should you follow the adult’s instruction to move indoors instead of going outside to watch the lightning?
4. After a storm, you notice a fallen branch and a wire on the ground nearby. What should you do instead of going closer to look?

PARENT / TEACHER TIP

Before severe monsoon weather occurs, discuss your family’s safe monsoon routine together.

Talk about:

• Which responsible adult should a child go to for help?
• What should the child do if the normal route home is blocked?
• Where should the child stay while waiting for instructions?
• What should the child do if they notice floodwater, a fallen wire, a fallen branch or another unfamiliar hazard?

Keep the message simple:

“If you are unsure, stop, stay safe and tell an adult.”

This supports the SafetySimpler approach of developing awareness, decision-making, confidence and help-seeking behaviour without creating unnecessary fear.