As life slowly returns to normal after the record-breaking rainfall, bear in mind that you still need to take measures to stay safe. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) UAE has issued a few guidelines to follow concerning health and safety following the downpour.
Here are some of the “Do’s and Don’ts” to follow at least until the rain completely subsides, and the heatwaves are back.
Stagnant water is your new enemy
Refrain from swimming and playing in stagnant water. Avoid strolling or passing through flooded areas, wash off anything that comes in contact with stagnant water, to avoid contamination risks.
You don’t want to be hospitable to the mosquitoes
With rain and stored water come the mosquitoes, so Watch Out! Wet weather conditions facilitate an ideal breeding atmosphere for mosquitoes, allowing their rapid growth. On that note, you can get rid of them by eliminating water stagnation, preventing them from entering the house in all ways, keeping the buckets and utensils upside down, using mosquito repellants, wearing long-sleeved clothes, etc.
Rain water is not a drink
Although it sounds amazing, avoid drinking rain water. How safe and clean the rain water is, depends on how it’s collected, stored, treated and whether it has touched any other surface. While you never know the journey of each drop, it is better to avoid this bad habit.
Stay hydrated!
Seems like your surrounding has taken the advice too seriously so maybe it’s high time you do too. Come rain or shine, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You set your atmosphere yourself
Dust your house to prevent allergies and asthma. Regularly clean your house to prevent moisture and mold while also maintaining good ventilation by opening windows. We would suggest you do the cleaning chores wearing protective tools such as gloves, long clothes, boots and masks.
Exercise is an all timer
Feeling under the weather? Exercise! Feeling lazy? Exercise! A workout is all you need to feel refreshed and better. So engage in basic stretching or include some home exercises in your daily routine and stop being a couch potato if you haven’t already.
Maintain a good diet
Health authorities suggest you nosh on 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Well, we all know ‘an apple a day keeps a doctor away’. And also, make sure to chow down a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity. But, ensure your food and drinks are clean before having them, including its containers. Avoid unhealthy snacks that could cause digestive disorders.
Self-care and hygiene contributes to good health
Researchers proved that many harmful diseases spread due to a lack of proper hand hygiene. Keeping that in mind, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth until and unless you have washed or sanitized your hands, to prevent spread of infections. Stop romanticizing getting wet in rain and refrain from that too.
Also Read: Flood Aftermath in UAE: Health Tips to Protect Yourself & Your Family
Exercise extreme caution!
Pay special attention while outdoors and be cautious of potential hazards like slippery surfaces, fallen branches, damaged items, etc. Do not, we repeat, do not touch fallen objects especially dangling electric wires. Make sure your surroundings are free of any clogged or blocked drains and sewage systems.
Stay in contact with medical supplies
If you experience any form of unusual and worrying symptoms, do not shy away from doctors and seek medical advice. For now, keep first aid supplies near your reach.
While we await the end of the heaviest rain in 75 years, let’s weather the storm and emerge healthier.
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Reach out to your respective municipality to seek help for municipal services like pest control, draining of accumulated rain water, among others.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Municipality and Transport (DMT): 800 850
• Dubai Municipality: 800 900
• Sharjah Municipality: 993
• Ajman Municipality: 800 70
• Ras Al Khaimah – Public Service Department – 800 8118
• Fujairah Municipality: 800 36
• Umm Al Quwain Municipality: 06 7656145
