It’s impossible not to notice that it’s getting hotter, rainier, and there seem to be more natural disasters than before. Storms, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and even volcanic eruptions are getting bigger all over the world.
These changes affect more than just the world. Their effects on our daily lives are mostly felt in our health, safety, and mental health.
Let’s talk about what’s going on, what we need to know, and how to be ready when the weather changes quickly.
Why is the weather getting so bad?
Since many years ago, scientists have been telling us that the climate is changing. As temperatures rise around the world, we have more unusual weather, like heat waves, heavy rain, droughts, and sudden natural disasters.
Every year, these affects get stronger in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. We have had longer hot seasons, not enough water, flash floods, smoke from forest fires, and even small earthquakes. These things are no longer unusual; they’re now just the way things are.
These environment changes damaged beyond roads and houses. It is taken affect on our minds and bodies too.
How changes in the environment affect our health
There are many ways that bad weather and natural events can affect our health. Here are some examples:
- Heatwaves can make people thirsty, tired, and even sick with heat exhaustion and heatstroke. This is especially true for older people, children, and people who already have health problems.
- Diseases like diarrhoea, skin illnesses, and leptospirosis can be spread by dirty water during floods. It’s also easier for mosquitoes to breed when it rains a lot.
- Strong winds and storms can cause injuries, damage homes, and at the same time, interrupt medical services.
- Asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems can be made worse by haze and bad air pollution.
- It can also have an effect on mental health. Disasters or constant stress in the surroundings can make people anxious, depressed, or have trouble sleeping.
What you should do to get ready before a disaster
The most important step is getting ready. What are the things to do to stay safe and ready ? Here are a few suggestions :
Know the risks in your area
Find out if your house is near a coast, a lake, or a place that is likely to flood or slide. Stay aware is the first thing that can help you get ready.
Keep up with news
Keep an eye on government alerts and weather forecasts. Read what the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) or the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has to say.
Get a backup kit ready
Keep a small bag with things you’ll need, like water in a bottle, dry food, a torch, batteries, a power bank, first aid tools, face masks and important papers.
Make a plan for your family
Talk about what to do in an emergency, like where to meet, who to call, and how to get to safety.
Keep your surroundings safe
Take care of roof leaks and clogged drains. Also, tie down any loose items outside your house that could be blown away during storms.
Take care of your body
When you get sick or stressed, a strong immune system helps you get better faster. Get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water.
Get to know your community
Know your community so that you know who and where to reach out during emergencies.
What to do during a Disaster
When something bad happens, every second counts. Follow these easy steps:
Follow instructions from officials
If the officials tell you to leave, don’t wait. Be quick and calm as you move to safer ground.
Stay indoors when necessary
Stay away from windows and glass doors when it’s raining or windy. During lightning storms, don’t use electrical tools.
Avoid floodwater
Bear in mind that floodwater is dirty. Wear protective shoes or boots if you have to walk through it, and wash your feet well afterward.
Protect yourself from polluted air
Stay inside and wear a mask if the air is dirty or hazy. If you can, use an air filter.
Consume safe food and water
Stay away from things that look bad or have been in dirty water. If you’re not sure if water is safe, you should always boil it.
Check on family members who might be at risk
During situations, kids, the elderly, and people who are sick might need extra help.
Keep calm and stay connected
Keep communication lines open and follow reliable updates.
After the disaster: getting better and staying healthy
Once the situation has passed, your health should remain a top priority.
Clean and disinfect carefully
Bad germs can be left behind by floodwaters. Wear gloves, clean surfaces with germ-killing soap, and throw away things that are broken or wet.
Avoid food and water that have been tainted
Food that has been in floodwater should not be eaten. Until the water source is proven safe, only drink boiled or bottled water.
Look out for signs of being sick
A fever, diarrhoea, cough, or rashes could be signs of an illness. Do not wait for your symptoms to get worse before going to the doctor.
Care for your mental health
Having worry or stress after a disaster is normal. If you need to, talk to family or friends or get help from a professional.
Safety first
When you fix up your house, use strong materials and think about making small changes that will lower risks in the future, like better drainage or raising the wires.
What can you every day to help the environment and your health
Even small things you do daily can help protect the world and keep you healthy:
- Grow greens around your house to reduce heat and clean the air.
- Cut down on trash and recycle as often as you can.
- It doesn’t matter how little you save, it makes a big difference.
- Avoid open burning, and use less single-use plastics.
- Help in clean-up campaigns and environmental activities in your area.
- Drink plenty of water and eat more natural, raw foods. What’s good for the earth usually is good for your body too.
The world is changing, and so is our weather. While we can’t control nature, we can control how prepared we are.
Taking care of our mental, physical, and environmental health now will help us be better when things go wrong in life.
Remember, taking care of the Earth isn’t just about saving it; it’s also about saving ourselves.