El Nino alert: Ministry of Health issues household safety guide

• On health protection, Kenyans have been urged to store safe drinking water and boil or treat it before use.

The Ministry of Health has called on Kenyans to take precaution against flooding and related emergencies as the country braces for the anticipated El Nino rains.

In an advisory, the Ministry urged households to check and secure their roofs, clear drains and gutters, and trim dangerous branches that could pose a risk during heavy downpours.

Families were also advised to identify evacuation routes, assess flood risk in their areas and take steps to protect water sources from contamination.

The Ministry further advised the public to plan support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, who may require extra assistance during emergencies.

Households were encouraged to keep prescribed medication on hand, service essential equipment, save copies of important documents, prepare rain gear, and put together an emergency kit.

On health protection, Kenyans have been urged to store safe drinking water and boil or treat it before use.

The advisory also recommends keeping emergency lighting and a radio on standby, charging phones and power banks in advance, safeguarding key documents in waterproof packaging and restocking first aid supplies, including oral rehydration salts (ORS).

To guard against mosquito-borne illnesses, households have been advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets.

Families are also encouraged to draw up a communication plan and agree on two meeting points in the event they get separated during flooding or displacement.

The Ministry additionally called on households to arrange safe shelter for livestock and ensure schools and workplaces have adequate measures in place ahead of the rains.

Kenyans have been urged to stay alert and follow official health and weather advisories as the preparedness campaign continues.