The rainy season is approaching—so it's time to prepare in advance, while there are no queues in stores for raincoats, flashlights, and drinking water. In Southeast Asian countries, monsoons typically occur from October to March, bringing heavy downpours, humidity, flooded streets, and sudden power outages.
A pre-assembled kit helps you avoid searching for essentials at the last moment. A family plan makes preparation calmer: one checks the house, another the motorbike, and a third buys extra water and food supplies.
Create a shared list in Pickt right in Telegram and assign items among your loved ones. This way, in one weekend, the family can complete rainy season preparations without duplicate purchases or forgotten details.
Gear: Raincoats, Umbrellas, and Protection for Belongings
The main rule of the rainy season is that every family member should have their own basic protection against downpours. Don't rely on one shared umbrella: rain can start when everyone is in different places.
Raincoats for the Whole Family and Motorbike
Choose sturdy raincoats with hoods, fasteners, and long sleeves. For motorbike rides, a separate set of jacket and pants is more convenient: it better protects the legs and doesn't hinder control. Waterproof gloves and a seat cover are also useful.
For children, bright models with reflective elements are suitable. In heavy rain, visibility on the roads drops significantly, so noticeable clothing is an important part of safety.
Umbrellas, Footwear, and Bag Covers
A foldable umbrella is convenient to keep in a backpack, while a large sturdy umbrella comes in handy at home or in the car. Check the ribs and mechanism in advance: a broken umbrella is almost useless in a downpour.
Add waterproof footwear or lightweight rubber sandals with non-slip soles to the list. Regular sneakers take a long time to dry in the wet season, and damp shoes quickly start to smell unpleasant.
Don't forget waterproof covers for backpacks, bags, and documents. It's better to keep your phone, charger, wallet, and paper documents in an inner sealed pouch or waterproof organizer.
Home: Protection Against Leaks, Dampness, and Mold
Even a short heavy downpour can reveal the weak spots of a house. Inspect the roof, windows, balcony, gutters, and areas around doors before the regular rains begin.
Buy sealant for small cracks near windows, pipes, and door frames. If you notice old signs of leaks on the ceiling or walls, it's better to inform the property owner or a handyman in advance rather than wait for the next storm.
At home, keep several buckets, basins, sturdy trash bags, rags, and a mop. These simple items will help quickly collect water in case of a minor leak or mud brought in after a flooded street.
High humidity promotes mold growth. Add mold treatment, gloves, and a separate cleaning brush. Use products strictly according to instructions, ventilate the room, and do not mix household chemicals together.
For closets, shoe racks, and document storage areas, a dehumidifier or silica gel packs will come in handy. Check them regularly and replace them when they stop absorbing moisture. Don't leave clothes, towels, or shoes damp in enclosed spaces.
Supplies for Flooding and Power Outages
During heavy rains, there may be disruptions to electricity, food delivery, and access to clean water. A small home supply doesn't mean panic: it's reasonable preparation for one or two days.
Keep drinking water in sealed bottles. Calculate the volume so it's enough for all family members, including children and pets. Water for household needs can be stored separately in clean containers.
Prepare flashlights, spare batteries, and charged power banks. It's better to have several small flashlights than one for the whole apartment: leave one at the entrance, another by the bed, and a third in a bag.
Choose non-perishable food that can be eaten without lengthy cooking: rice, noodles, canned goods, crackers, nuts, dried fruits, UHT milk, baby food, and pet food. Check expiration dates and regularly refresh the supply.
Store important numbers, copies of documents, and some cash in a waterproof pouch. If your area is prone to flooding, find out in advance about safe routes, the nearest higher ground, and official local warning channels.
Health Without Medicine: Protection Against Mosquitoes and Humidity
During the rainy season, mosquitoes increase, and dampness creates discomfort at home and on the road. Basic preventive items will help the family feel more confident.
Add mosquito repellents for home and outings, as well as mosquito nets if they fit your windows or beds. Don't leave open containers of water in the yard, on the balcony, or near the house: empty and clean them regularly.
After rain, dry shoes, socks, raincoats, and towels. Don't place wet shoes close to hot appliances or dry them over open flames. Instead, use a well-ventilated area, a dryer, or a fan.
For a home minimum, include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer, and personal hygiene products familiar to the family. If you feel unwell, get injured, or show signs of serious illness, seek professional medical help.
Car and Motorbike: Pre-Rain Check
On wet roads, visibility, braking, and traction are especially important. Before the monsoon season, set aside time for a quick vehicle check.
For the car, assess the condition of the wipers and the level of washer fluid. Worn blades leave streaks and impair visibility in downpours. Check tires, pressure, headlights, brake lights, and brakes.
For the motorbike, inspect brake pads, tire pressure and tread pattern, lights, and mirrors. The chain should be cleaned, lubricated, and properly tensioned. Carry a raincoat, a cover for belongings, a cloth for the helmet visor, and a small flashlight.
During heavy rain, don't rush: avoid deep puddles, open manholes, and flooded areas where you can't assess the water depth. If the downpour is too heavy, it's safer to stop in a permitted dry place and wait it out.
Unified Family Preparation Checklist for the Rainy Season
- Buy raincoats for each family member.
- Check umbrellas and add compact umbrellas to bags.
- Prepare waterproof footwear, socks, and backpack covers.
- Inspect windows, doors, roof, and treat cracks with sealant.
- Buy buckets, rags, trash bags, and mold treatment.
- Place a dehumidifier or silica gel in closets and shoe racks.
- Stock up on drinking water and non-perishable food.
- Charge power banks, check flashlights and batteries.
- Prepare repellents, mosquito nets, and a place to dry shoes.
- Check wipers, tires, brakes, and lights of the car or motorbike.
- Save emergency contacts and local warning channels.
Transfer this checklist to a shared Pickt list and assign a responsible person for each item. When purchases, checks, and household tasks are gathered in one place, preparing for the rainy season takes just one weekend—and the peace of mind lasts the entire monsoon period.
