We finally got the rain that our area so desperately needs, but as thankful as we may be for the moisture, we must remember that there are concerns during this time of the year. Mold and mildew can create health issues and the additional dirt, debris and germs that enter our homes can cause us trouble down the line. Here are a few tips to help us a stay safe and healthy this summer monsoon season.
Wash your hands regularly. Additional germs and allergens are growing during this time of the year. We bring them in on our hands and feet and on our clothing. Don’t allow wet or damp clothing to sit in a hamper; wash and dry it immediately to avoid mildew and germs. Shoes are bound to get wet. Clean footwear regularly and make sure shoes are completely dry before wearing again. Use antibacterial foot powder.
Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean. Check in areas that sometimes don’t get cleaned every time, like high corners above the shower, behind and under things, window tracks and sills. These are all areas that can collect mildew, dirt and germs.
Keep windows closed when you leave the house. As you know, it may be sunny one minute and a cloud burst the next. Water entering through an open window can damage sills, walls, curtains, furniture and floors. Open windows again when you are home and it is not raining. Your home needs as much fresh air ventilation as possible.
Use area rugs on the interior and exterior side of each door to the outside. Leave soiled shoes in a shoe rack instead of walking around the house and spreading the dirt and germs.
Remove any containers or buckets outside that may collect rainwater. Once the rain stops and the sun comes out, that standing water is a place for mosquitos and other pests to gather and breed. Keep pets clean and teach them to wipe their paws on the rug outside (yes, they can learn that), or you can wipe their feet.
Keep furniture clean and dry and disinfect all hard surfaces often. Outside of appliances, walls, fixtures, door handles, ceiling fans can all collect dirt and germs.
Make sure your pets are safe during the thunderstorms. Many normally well-behaved pets totally “lose it” during the storms and will dart out of the door, or oven a fence. Some people have had success with the Thunder shirts that can be purchased at most pet stores. If you don’t have one of those, and your dog or cat is sensitive to the sounds of thunder, place a crate with a comfortable blanket, one of your t-shirts and a toy inside, in an interior bathroom or closet with a little radio or music playing. You can cover the crate with a sheet. The crate serves as a den, which is a natural comfort for most dogs and cats and is a safe place for them until the storm subsides. Microchip your pets so that if they do get separated from you, they will have a better chance of returning home safely.
After the monsoon season, it is a perfect time to get windows, tracks and sills professionally cleaned and carpeting and draperies professionally cleaned to prepare for the winter and to avoid the continued growth of mold and mildew.
As I write this, the lightning and thunder is rolling outside! Have a great summer and be safe and healthy. QCBN
By Lucy Leyva
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