*general precautions to take during the monsoon season*

1.  *general precautions to take during the monsoon season*

2. *general precautions to take during the monsoon season* ## ? Health & Hygiene 1. *Drink Safe Water:* Consume only *boiled, filtered, or commercially bottled water*. Contaminated water is a major source of diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis. 2. *Eat Safe Food:* * Avoid street food, pre-cut fruits, and raw salads (risk of contamination). * Eat freshly cooked, hot meals. * Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consumption. * Ensure food is covered and protected from flies and insects. 3. *Prevent Mosquito Breeding & Bites:* * *Eliminate Stagnant Water:* Regularly empty water from coolers, pots, tires, flower vases, etc. (mosquito breeding grounds for Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria). * *Use Repellents:* Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellents (DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) on exposed skin. * *Wear Protective Clothing:* Long sleeves, full pants, socks in light colors. * *Use Nets:* Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially if windows lack screens. 4. *Maintain Personal Hygiene:* * Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after contact with floodwater. * Carry hand sanitizer when clean water isn't available. 5. *Foot Care:* * Avoid walking barefoot in floodwater or muddy areas to prevent fungal infections (Athlete's foot), leptospirosis, and injuries. * Dry feet thoroughly if they get wet. * Wear waterproof footwear (gumboots) if wading is unavoidable.

3. ## ? Home Safety & Maintenance 6. *Prepare Your Home:* * *Clean Drains & Gutters:* Ensure they are clear of debris to prevent waterlogging around the house. * *Check Roofs & Walls:* Repair leaks, cracks, and loose tiles before the monsoon hits. * *Trim Trees:* Cut overhanging branches near the house or power lines that could break in strong winds. * *Secure Loose Objects:* Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, plants, etc., that could become projectiles in storms. 7. *Electrical Safety:* * Avoid touching switches or appliances with wet hands. * Ensure proper earthing/grounding of electrical systems. * Unplug non-essential appliances during heavy rains/thunderstorms to prevent damage from power surges. * *Never* touch electrical poles or wires that have fallen in water or on the ground – treat all as live and dangerous. 8. *Prevent Dampness & Mold:* Use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows (when not raining) to ventilate and reduce dampness inside the house. Clean mold promptly. ## ? Travel & Commuting 9. *Stay Informed:* Check weather forecasts (rain, storms, floods) and traffic updates *before* venturing out. 10. *Avoid Flooded Areas:* * *Never* walk or drive through flooded streets or flowing water. Depth and current are deceptive. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; 12 inches can carry away a car. * Floodwater can hide open manholes, sharp debris, downed power lines, and carry sewage/chemicals. 11. *Drive Cautiously:* * Reduce speed significantly. * Use headlights and wipers. * Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. * Avoid routes prone to waterlogging or landslides. * If your car stalls in deep water, abandon it and move to higher ground immediately. 12. *Use Public Transport Wisely:* Be aware of potential delays and cancellations. Avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport options. 13. *Be Visible:* Carry an umbrella/raincoat and wear bright/reflective clothing if walking near traffic in poor visibility.

4. ## ? Emergency Preparedness 14. *Assemble an Emergency Kit:* * First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, essential medicines, ORS packets). * Flashlights with extra batteries (candles are a fire hazard). * Portable phone charger/power bank. * Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough for at least 3 days). * Important documents (IDs, insurance) in waterproof bags. * Basic tools, whistle, multi-tool. * Cash (ATMs may not work). 15. *Know Your Evacuation Route:* Identify the safest and quickest way to reach higher ground or a designated shelter if flooding occurs near your home. 16. *Stay Connected:* Keep phones charged. Have a list of emergency contacts readily available (family, local authorities, hospitals, disaster helplines). Inform family of your whereabouts during travel. 17. *Follow Official Instructions:* Pay attention to warnings and evacuation orders from local authorities, meteorological departments, and disaster management agencies.

5. ## Additional Considerations * *Protect Vulnerable Groups:* Take extra care of children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. * *Pet Safety:* Ensure pets have shelter, access to clean water, and are safe from flooding. Keep their vaccinations up-to- date. * *Mental Well-being:* Being confined or dealing with disruptions can be stressful. Maintain routines where possible and seek support if needed. *Key Mantra:* *"Prevention is Better Than Cure."* Taking proactive steps before and during the monsoon significantly reduces risks. Stay alert, stay informed, and prioritize safety! ? ?

6. ### ? Key Notes: 1. *Growth Spurts Vary*: - Girls often peak in growth at *10–14 years*. - Boys typically peak later at *12–16 years*. (e.g., A 12-year-old girl might be taller than a boy her age). 2. *BMI-for-Age Matters More Than Absolute Numbers*: Pediatricians track if a child’s weight is proportional to height using *BMI percentiles* (e.g., 5th–85th percentile = healthy range). 3. *Red Flags ?*: - Sudden weight loss/gain. - Stalled height growth (>6 months no change). - Falling far below/above their established growth curve. 4. *Puberty Impact*: Hormonal changes cause rapid shifts. Siblings may grow at different paces!