8 Health and Safety Tips To Make it Through The Rain
Rainy season officially started last June 14 as declared by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration). For the onset of the rainy season to be declared, the requirement is 5 days of rain generating a total amount of at least 25 millimeters (mm) of rainfall. These 5 days must also include 3 straight days of at least 1 mm of rainfall. Yesterday, July 17 – Tropical Storm Falcon (Danas) had made landfall in Gattaran, Cagayan, at 12:30 am and left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) today at 2 pm.
On that note, PTS prepared 8 Health and Safety Tips to take you through this rainy season.
PREPARE RAIN GEAR
Bring an umbrella, hooded raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots, if you regularly travel by foot, to lower the chances of getting soaked when caught in a downpour. You may catch a cold after being exposed to the cool breeze that often accompanies rain showers.
REMEMBER BASIC SAFETY AROUND LIGHTNING AND THUNDER
The rule of thumb is that, if you hear thunder, it’s time to head indoors.Avoid open areas, such as playing fields; isolated tall objects like trees and light posts; and metal objects such as fences and clotheslines. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder to resume outdoor activities.
WATCH OUT FOR STAGNANT WATER
This is the prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dengue Fever, a potentially deadly mosquito – borne disease is most rampant during the rainy season. Regularly empty out still water sources, such as planter saucers and trays, pet water bowls, inflatable pools and decorative urns, around the home and in the garden.
Philippine health authorities recently declares national alert after 456 die from dengue fever.
AVOID WADING IN FLOODWATERS
It may be fun for kids but beware of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that is spread by floods containing urine and other bodily fluids of infected animals, including dogs and rodents. Also, clean or disinfect toys that have been contaminated by flood water before allowing children to resume playing with them.
KEEP HANDS CLEAN
Common cold symptoms can escalate during the rainy season. To keep everyone safe, clean hands regularly and always bring a hand sanitizer when you are out and about. Also, make it a habit to wash hands and feet when you get home, especially after contact with rain or flood waters.
DON’T TOUCH WIRES FROM FALLEN ELECTRICITY POLES
Children are naturally inquisitive. When electric poles fall they like to go to inspect. In the process they touch electric lines which may be live. This has claimed lives of many children and adults.We should stay away from water that accumulates around areas with electric poles. Fallen electric wires should be treated as live at all times.
PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORECAST
Please follow weather forecasts during the rainy seasons as they inform your day to day decisions. These decisions may bring safety to you and your family.
REFERENCES: The Manica Post and Home Triangle