“TAG-ULAN” Checklist: Rainy Day Essentials

Thunderstorm occurrence has become prevalent during the past few days. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says that the rainy season is now in progress.

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” is also expected to prevail over the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), bringing rains mostly over the western section of the country. PAGASA added that compared to the hot and dry season, rain showers and thunderstorms may now occur even in the morning or early afternoon.

To embrace a new season, we have to adjust with the changes in weather. To help you stay protected in the coming rainy days, here are some of the “tag-ulan” must haves:

UMBRELLA
Bringing an umbrella should always be part of your daily routine. If it helped you beat the heat during “tag-init”, now is time to use it to protect you from the rain.

Be sure to have an umbrella of good quality. Some cheaper umbrellas are prone to breakage and deformation. Choose a durable and specialized umbrella for heavy rains and strong winds. Consider the size of the umbrella if you want it to fit in your bag. Make sure that it’s easy to use and that it suits your style.

RAINCOAT / WATERPROOF JACKET
When rains pour during a thunderstorm, gusty winds also prevail. Umbrellas may not be enough to keep you and your valuables dry. A raincoat can protect you from getting wet from the rains and blowing winds.

Choose a raincoat with a hood, of good quality and one that suits your body size, including your height and arm length. A jacket made with waterproof material can also be an alternative raincoat. It can keep you warm during the rainy season.

BOOTS
A heavy downpour means a higher chance of flooding. During floods, feet can be prone to infection. The Department of Health (DOH) advises the public to use proper protection by wearing boots. This way, you can protect your feet against the risk of getting leptospirosis, a water-related disease obtained from contact with contaminated water. Just make sure that your boots are waterproof, made of plastic or rubber.

TOWEL
A towel can help you dry off immediately after being drenched. It can also be used in wiping or protecting your gadgets such as your mobile phone and wrist-watch.

FIRST-AID KIT
The changing weather can cause sudden sicknesses like common colds and cough. Keeping a first aid kit with basics, such as alcohol, gauze pads, cotton, povidone-iodine solutions and medicine, is the best way to be clean, illness-free and wound-free this rainy season.

Rainy days are coming so let’s all take note of these essentials to keep us dry and healthy!

Source:
PAGASA-DOST
Department of Health (DOH)