Health and Safety Precautions during Monsoons

Monsoon is the season when we have abundant rains, cold breeze, at times windy and powerful associated with lightning and heavy thunder. Monsoon provides rains which is a relief from the scorch summer heat. All water resources are filled and all our water related needs taken care of.

Monsoon brings in nostalgic memories of our childhood days. Playing in the drizzle, making paper boats, forcing amma to make hot snacks, sneezing by late evening, cold and cough in the night, being absent from school. The fever would be then conveniently transferred to other peers in school and family at home.

However, with the arrival of monsoons also comes the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and stomach infections.

Health Precautions to be taken during Monsoons:

• Drink water that has been purified. You can boil water, cool and drink.  Drinking water that is properly purified or boiled reduces the chances of contracting a waterborne disease. Avoid tap water. When outside or traveling use packaged mineral water.
• Carry a raincoat or an umbrella to protect yourself from getting wet in the rain. Moms, do ensure your child is carrying one even if they are fussy.
• Avoid walking in the dirty water during the rains. The dirty water -flowing or stagnant is a breeding ground for various viral and bacterial infections. Keep your shoes and socks clean. Dry shoes adequately to prevent smell and damp feet problems.
• If you get wet in the rains, wash your hands and legs when you reach your destination. Change your clothes as quickly as possible.
• If your hair gets wet in the rain, wipe your head thoroughly and dry your hair. Do not enter an AC room with damp hair. High chances of catching a cold.
• Use a mild antiseptic like Dettol or Savlon in the water used for bathing or to clean bruises in the rains. It will help you minimize the chances of getting an infection.
• For those of you who are asthmatics, avoid damp walls. Most wet walls promote the growth of fungus which is a trigger for asthma.
• Avoid eating uncooked food and leafy vegetables. During monsoons, the chances of germs and contagious infections are higher. Cooking food properly destroys these germs.
• Avoid self medication when you contract a viral infection. Do not take medications indiscriminately during the rainy season. Your immunity would decrease and the chances of contracting an infection increases.

Safety precautions to be taken during Monsoons:

Water is the most essential requirement next to air for survival, but when it is allowed to stagnate around us beyond a time required it becomes hazardous and dangerous. Water is the best medium for organisms to thrive.

Flooding of water during monsoons is a common sight in the cities due to drain clogging. The next major concern is insect bites and the crawling varieties when water level increases and the soil is damp and slushy. Mosquitoes breed in standing waters.

• Use mosquito nets during bed time and insect screens to prevent entry of mosquitoes.
• Stock sufficient stock of eatables-‘ready to eat’  varieties. Check out on shelf life during purchase. You can never plan to accommodate shopping for groceries after work.
• Be prepared for power outages due to heavy wind and non stop rains. Ensure your gas cylinder is full.
• Make sure your electrical gadgets are working fine i.e room heaters. Dust your blankets and dry warm clothes in advance (during hot summer days)
• In case you are lying on the floor, use large mats and proper bed spreads. Do not allow an article to remain in the same place for long. Shift while cleaning regularly. Observed that Centipedes crawl around damp areas and near the drains of the bathroom.
• Ensure servicing of Automobiles – they must be serviced at the beginning of the monsoon, especially battery should have been checked. Engine oil, Brake oil and brake itself should be thoroughly checked and updated, so that vehicle can be used in emergencies without any problems basically because in cold weather sometimes the vehicle may not start if the battery condition is not updated.
• Check the tyres for adequate air and the stepney is in good condition.
• Keep spare umbrellas and rain coats handy in case you forget at work or college.
• Know your roads well i.e be aware of the pits in the road –which are covered with water. Most accidents and missing cases are reported due to open drains in non familiar areas.
• Leave for places well before normal time to avoid tension of being late, give yourselves more time to deal with emergencies like road diversions.
• Keep away from loose electrical wiring.

When heavy rains happen we will be worried about drying clothes, going outdoor for work or school. Water is essential for mankind. Let it pour such that our water resources have enough water to take us thru’ the coming year.

Enjoy the rains and have fun !  Protect your family, follow precautions that will keep you healthy this rainy season. Wishing you a Safe and Enjoyable Monsoon.

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