Storm
Severe thunderstorms bring damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and lightning. Know the ingredients: moisture, instability and a lifting mechanism. Understand that flash flooding from intense rainfall is the most common storm hazard and can occur within minutes; six inches (15 cm) of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 60 cm can float a car. Learn lightning safety: 30/30 rule - if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds, seek shelter; wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. Shelter in a solid building or hard-topped vehicle, not under trees or in open ground.
Know the SES (State Emergency Service) role in storms and floods, contactable on 132 500, and that Triple Zero (000) is for life-threatening emergencies. Preparation: secure loose items, clear gutters, trim overhanging branches, park vehicles under cover, and stay indoors away from windows.
Traps: questions often test whether to drive through floodwater - the answer is always no; 'if it's flooded, forget it'. Another trap confuses hail size with safety: even small hail driven by wind causes injury. Do not shelter under isolated trees during lightning.
Rule of thumb: When thunder roars, go indoors; when hail falls, get under solid cover.
Worked example: A driver approaches a flooded causeway. The correct action is to stop, turn around and find another route - never enter moving water, as depth and road damage are invisible.