MUST READ: HEALTH AND SAFETY DURING THIS RAINY SEASON.

The rainy season is here again. Find below some tips for staying healthy and safe during the season:

1. Regular washing of hands
Bacteria and viruses come alive during the rains and you can come into contact with them just by crossing the road or holding on to an infected railing or bench. Wash your hands as frequently as you can with soap and warm water.



2. Don't touch your face
The flu virus commonly enters our body through the eyes, nose and mouth; resist the urge to scratch your eyes or wipe your sweaty forehead. Use a clean handkerchief instead.


3. Guard against dirty water
Clogged gutters and dirty puddles are a common sight during rainy season. Unfortunately, they are sources of water-borne diseases like diarrhea, influenza, cholera and fungal skin infections.
Apart from a jacket to keep warm, invest in a good pair of rain boots.


4. Avoid eating street food (a.k.a Mama Put) if possible
Food cooked and sold in the open air are likely to come in contact with airborne and waterborne diseases and bacteria. Better to eat fresh, home-cooked meals.


5. Keep mosquitoes out
The mosquito population grows during the rainy season because stagnant water become more common Keep mosquitoes out by cleaning out flower pots, fountains, ditches, nooks and crannies that may be holding stagnant water, and cover them until the end of the season.


6. Drink herbal tea
Herbal tea has curative properties for coughs, colds and sore throat, which are common ailments during the rainy season. For extra vitality, you can add body warming ingredients like cloves, ginger, basil and mint.


7. Use eucalyptus oil
The aroma of eucalyptus oil helps us breathe easily; this, in turn, relaxes the entire body. This substance can be one’s best friend during the rainy season especially when the nose gets clogged from flu and the body is maxed out from other diseases or even when dealing with just the extra strain of commuting in the rain.


8. Working in the rain?

Move more slowly and carefully: When working in the rain, a natural reaction is to try to work more quickly to get back inside as soon as possible. However, because rain makes everything more slippery, you should do the exact opposite.
Use appropriate equipment: Do not use electrical tools and equipment that are not specifically rated for outdoor use when working in the rain. When using hand tools, use tools with textured, nonslip grip handles.
Wear appropriate rain gear: when cold and wet, one is likely to concentrate more on how miserable one is than the work at hand. Rain gear which includes both a coat and pants or overalls and is ventilated should be worn for prolonged wet-weather work.
Wear appropriate footwear: Footwear for use in inclement weather should have deep treads to help prevent slipping. Footwear that is in poor condition (treads are worn down or worn smooth or footwear with holes) should not be worn.
Use proper hand protection: When doing work requiring a sure grip (using hand tools, for example), wear gloves that fit snugly and provide a nonslip grip.
Ensure that you can see: If wearing goggles or eyeglasses, use antifogging sprays or wipes on them before going outside. Be sure that the work area is well lit; if needed, the area should be lit using lights rated for outdoor use. Wear hoods or hats to keep rain out of your eyes.
Make sure you can be seen: If working in an area where there is vehicular traffic (trucks, cars, forklifts, etc.), always wear bright-colored, reflective vests or rain gear, even during the day.
As much as possible, work should be avoided in extreme weather conditions.


9. Driving in the rain?
· Make sure your car windshield wipers are in good working condition.
· Tire treads should also be the proper depth to provide good traction on wet roadways; avoid the use of worn out tires.


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: You should be in full control of your car when the rain falls.
· Slow down to avoid hydroplaning: At speeds as low as 56km/ hr., tires 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.