Attention: Rainy Season Reminders

Rainy season has already started. Well, prematurely since May because of global warming. Wet roads and heavier traffic are expected by commuters and motorists. We're all familiar with the usual warnings and reminders we see and hear every time the rainy season starts, but I guess it wouldn't be bad if we will be reminded of the basic things that need to remembered during the rainy season. MMDA and the Government can only do so much so we must not rely on them.

 
1) Drop by the restroom before leaving
Unless you have a portable toilet in your car or a handy water bottle, you'll never know when you'd be stuck in the middle of traffic with no toilet in sight.


2) You must at least have the following:

A) A fully charged cellphone- It is important that you are within reach by family and friends at all times especially when there are typhoons so they won't worry too much. Inform family members of your whereabouts - teenagers don't like it when parents would ask them their agenda for the day, but I'm sure you'll appreciate it when you grow older. [Or, bring an emergency battery with you always -- FYI, I sell emergency mobile phone batteries :) ]


B) Spare money- If you'd know you'd be stuck, you would have planned and brought along some extra money, right? Well, that's not the case and you wouldn't know where and when you'd get stuck so you should have extra money especially when you're commuting so you could drop by any convenience store or any fast food chain to grab a quick snack in case you get stranded. For those driving, it would be best that you grab a quick snack or bring biscuits in the car to accompany you when you're stuck in heavy traffic.

C) Handy heavy duty umbrella - Unless you want to collect rain water samples using in inverted umbrella, ordinary umbrella from 168 would have no match on strong winds and heavy rains! Those light and flimsy umbrellas are only good for the sun.


3) Flip Flops
For those in the workplace and commuting, have a flip flop handy all the time as you wouldn't want your leather shoes or uber-expensive high heels soaking wet with water! (It'll make you feel it's summer again lol)


4) Windbreakers 
Bring one if PAGASA predicts that it would be raining the whole day (I suggest that you trust your instinct more because whenever PAGASA announces signal number 1 or DepEd no classes, the sun will instantly shine and the rain will stop. It's more effective than John Lloyd and Sarah's rain dance) This is recommended as the outer garment material repels water and this should keep you dry until your reach your destination.

5) Be Extra Careful

Whether you're driving or taking public transport, be alert all the time.For motorists out there, a soft drizzle will make the roads very slippery compared to a strong rain shower because when the oil drips from automobiles mix with a slight drizzle, it's the perfect ingredient for slippery roads.

When passing through flood streets, don't speed up as some electrical parts hidden under your car might get wet. Also, don't use the handbrake when parking if you just passed through flooded streets because your brakes might stick.

For Commuters, don't wade through flooded waters because:
1. You might not see an open manhole. (flooding can cause manhole covers to come off, leaving hidden dangers)
2. Open wounds will get infected
3. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over

Every time it rains non-stop, I fear a repeat-Ondoy. We know that being aware is not enough so get your A up and move it! Be ready because prevention is better than cure!

Cheftonio
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