These are some monsoon safety precautions that will help keep you and your family safe.
DON’T TOUCH ELECTRIC WIRES
One of the most important safety tips for the rainy season is to stay away from electric wires especially the ones that have either fallen from heavy rain or are dangling precariously from the pole, about to fall off.
Although a lot of people don’t realize it, these wires are mostly still live and touching them could potentially be fatal. If you have kids, educate them about the importance of staying away from fallen electric wires and poles as well. In case you see these wires lying in a puddle of water after rain, stay away from it as far as possible since stepping in it can possibly electrocute you.
Since these wires tend to break during heavy rainfall, keep an eye on the electric poles in your area and alert concerned authorities if needed. This might also help save others from unfortunate accidents.
Moreover, do not park your vehicle directly under power lines or next to utility poles during the monsoon season. It is also recommended to avoid ringing people’s doorbells while it’s pouring, particularly if the bell isn’t covered by some sort of shade and is exposed to water.
AVOID WALKING IN THE RAIN
The prospect of walking in the rain or jumping in a puddle may seem fun, especially if you live towards the south of the country and don’t get a chance to enjoy this weather too often.
However, one of the top precautions to be taken during the rainy season includes staying away from the water that’s standing on the road. These pools of water may seem visibly clean but they contain a host of bacteria, which can lead to a number of viral diseases and fungal infections. People suffering from diabetes are at an even bigger risk than others.
In case you have no other option but to step in a puddle to get to your home or workplace, make sure to thoroughly wash your foot with soap and clean water. Also, do not wear wet socks or wet shoes as they will most probably contain all sorts of germs.
Wearing covered shoes or rubber boots is also one of the top tips for staying safe in the monsoon.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MOSQUITOES
When it comes to safety tips for the rainy season, taking precautions against mosquitoes and other bugs certainly tops the list.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in pools of stagnant water, thus making monsoon the perfect breeding season for these pesky insects. Given the fact they can transmit malaria, dengue and chikungunya along with other diseases, you must consider using electronic mosquito repellents or burning mosquito coils to keep the insects at bay. Insect repellent sprays can also work wonders, just make sure you don’t directly inhale it.
Moreover, wear long-sleeved shirts and avoid sitting outside in the dark if possible. Installing mosquito screens on windows and using mosquito nets around your bed are among the major safety precautions during the rainy season that will keep you and your family healthy.
DRIVE SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY
Road accidents are quite common during the monsoon season, which is why drivers need to practice extreme caution in this weather. Since wet tarmac can become rather slippery, it is advised to avoid speeding and tailgating (closely following the car in front of you). If the vehicle behind you is tailgating, make sure to put some distance between the two. Avoid making any sudden turns as well.
Moreover, be wary of riding motorcycles while it’s raining, as they tend to slip and fall rather easily on wet roads. If you drive a car, be careful of bikers around you.
One of the most important road safety tips during the rainy season is to stay away from heavy vehicles and turn on your headlights so that your car is visible despite the heavy downpour. Don’t forget to check your fuel, brakes, tires and wipers before driving in such weather as well.
UNPLUG ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES
One of the top electrical safety tips during the rainy season, apart from not touching electrical wires, is to unplug electronic appliances during heavy rainfall. The reason behind this is voltage fluctuation and load shedding. Extremely high or low voltage can potentially damage your expensive appliances. Needless to say, repairing them would definitely put a strain on your wallet. Furthermore, if your wiring gets wet due to humidity in the atmosphere or rainwater, it can be dangerous for anyone to touch these appliances.
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, touching these appliances while they are plugged in can potentially include somebody. Therefore, it is recommended to switch off and unplug all such devices before the water enters your house. If possible, consider moving electronic appliances such as refrigerators and televisions away from the windows as a safety measure during the rainy season.
MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS ARE SHUT PROPERLY
This safety tip for the rainy season goes without saying. Apart from making sure mosquitoes and other bugs don’t invade your space during the monsoon season, you also need to make sure your windows can be closed all the way to avoid water from entering your home during heavy rainfall. If the water is still coming through your windows, make sure to call over a carpenter and get the problem fixed as soon as possible, or the raindrop might ruin your wall paint and flooring. Not only that, but water can also enter your wiring, which can be disastrous.
You must also protect your furniture that’s placed near windows or doors, this is yet another rainy season safety tip people often forget to follow. If you are concerned about your furniture getting wet, the easiest way is to cover it with big plastic sheets to minimize the damage.
KEEP AN UMBRELLA AND RAINCOAT HANDY
It’s imperative to keep an umbrella on hand during the monsoon season. Not only will this habit keep you from falling sick but also help you protect your valuable items such as your mobile phone, wallet and cards from getting wet during the downpour. If carrying an umbrella appears to be a hassle, buy a raincoat.
It’s also advisable to carry your belongings in small plastic pouches during the rainy season so that even if you are caught in a shower, you won’t have to worry about water getting into your handbag or backpack and ruining your things.
This is one of the simplest safety tips for the rainy season.
PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT
Frequent power breakdowns and flash flooding are the most troublesome part of the monsoon season. Since you can’t fight or always predict such natural disasters before time, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst – particularly if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding.
Here is a checklist of items you must include in your emergency kit for the rainy season in case things get out of hand.
• Clean water
• Mosquito repellent creams
• Thermometer
• First aid bandages and cotton swabs
• Healing ointments
• Medicines
• Non-perishable food items
• Battery-backed emergency light
• Extra set of clothes and socks
