Important precautions to take during the rainy season |20 January 2022

Rain provides relief from the sweltering heat, appease dust and fill up the water reservoirs. However, rain also brings with it certain unwelcome diseases. Coughs, flu, fever, and infections are common during the rainy season.

Here are a few tips and precautions you may adhere to during the rainy season to avoid getting sick.

Follow a healthy diet

During the cold and rainy season, your body is prone to infections. Most diseases in the rainy season are waterborne and drinking filtered or boiled water is essential. Washing raw foods like salads in previously boiled water is also beneficial to stay healthy during this time.

Wear good quality footwear

One of the most important precautions to be taken during the rainy season is to ensure that you are wearing footwear that does not slip easily, or you may fall and injure yourself.

Keep mosquitoes out

Stagnant water results in mosquito breeding. It is important to ensure you keep them out. Maintain cleanliness at home to avoid mosquitoes. Moreover, you must regularly clean flower pots and check the corners to ensure there is no water accumulation. In addition, use mosquito repellent to avoid diseases.

Adopt healthy habits during the rainy season

Adopt healthy habits and do not ignore any symptoms to avoid falling ill during the rainy season. However, it is very important to take extra precautions at home like not walking barefoot in muddy water and not to remain in wet clothes for too long in case you do fall sick.

Driving in rain
Wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million accidents worldwide per year. Prepare your car in advance of a rainstorm by making sure windshield wipers are in good working condition. Tire treads should also be the proper depth to provide good traction on wet roadways.

In a rainstorm, be sure to:

- Turn on your headlights. Rain impedes visibility. By turning on your headlights, other drivers are more likely to see your car.

- Turn off your cruise control. When roadways are slick, cruise control impairs your ability to adjust speed quickly. You should be in full control of your car when the rain falls.

- Slow down to avoid hydroplaning. At speeds as low as 35 miles per hour, tyres can lose contact with the roadway during a rainstorm.

- If you begin to skid, avoid hard braking or turns, which can also contribute to hydroplaning. Try to remain calm and continue looking and driving in the direction you would like the car to go.

Preparing your house for the rain
A little preparation goes a long way to take care of your home during heavy rains. Here are some tips to keep your home safe and dry:

- Get your roof and gutters inspected to ensure good condition before the rain falls. Remove leaves or debris from gutters throughout the year.

- Check the inside of the house to be sure there are no signs of water leaks – mold, water rings, or paint discoloration. Make any necessary repairs.

- Check doors and windows to ensure they seal properly.

- Prune dead branches from trees in your yard, which can fall on or around your house during a storm.

Staying safe during a flash flood
Emergency preparedness is the best way to keep you and your family safe during a flood.

Listen to the local weather reports during storms for possible flood warnings.

- Steer clear of flood water. As little as six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet.

- Keep children away from flood water too.

- Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t usually cover flooding. Know the flood risk in your neighbourhood and buy additional insurance if necessary.

Compiled by M-A.L