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em>For Jakartans, the rainy season is far from a dream of hot chocolate and warm blankets in the house as they still have to juggle between uncertain weather forecasts and day-to-day activities. Besides rain and strong winds, residents are usually worried about floods that can inundate roads and their houses even when it is raining in the capital. Here are five things that make the cold and the wet a bit more bearable.

Emergency drying tools

In the case of incessant rain, you cannot rely on the sun to dry your wet clothes.

It is worse for those who cannot stay home to watch over the laundry while it dries. Some equipment, like air-conditioner compressors, refrigerators and even hair dryers can be used to dry one or two items of clothing or shoes.

Uci Galuh Kesumanjati, for example, posted on the Facebook page Jakarta Low End Living how to dry clothes or shoes using an air-conditioner (AC) compressor.

'€œWe just need to hook the hanger into the bars of the AC and put the wet items on it,'€ she said.

However, you should be careful. Do not block the whole surface of the equipment and ensure there is a gap between the compressor and the wet items to prevent short circuits.

Stay-dry equipment

Umbrellas and coats are always the top must-have items during the rainy season. Umbrellas are the main armor for commuters who have walk to their destination after getting off public transportation.

Luckily, umbrellas and coats are easy to find in nearby stores. Those who forget to bring theirs need not worry as many impromptu vendors sell umbrellas and coats in the most needed places, like train stations, bus terminals and under the flyovers or bridges where motorcyclists stop when it is raining.

You can rent an umbrella for only Rp 20,000 (US$1.64) or you can choose a fancy one for Rp 100,000 in a variety of styles and colors, while coats can be bought from Rp 25,000 each.

However, it is better to be prepared with your own umbrellas and coats prior to the rainy season.

Hot food

After the downpours, bakso (meatball) vendors will usually appear, targeting residents who crave hot tasty, or even spicy, dishes. Arguably, bakso tops the list of most popular hot dishes during the rainy season. Various authentic soto (traditional soup composed of broth, meat and vegetables), gorengan (fried snacks), as well as hot beverages, such as ginger tea, are also among the most-sought dishes and drinks after a cold, wet day.

Rubber shoes

Although not the most fashionable footwear, rubber shoes are very important and much needed in the capital during the rainy season to make sure that your feet aren'€™t wet from sodden socks and your nicer shoes are kept in pristine condition.

Rubber shoes are usually worn during the commute to work or school, and people often change out of them when they get to their final destination.

Crocs are the most famous brand of rubber shoe, but they now come in many shapes from various brands and are sold in shopping malls and local markets.

Supplements

Not only do you start to feel mentally down whenever the city experiences a major downpour, but your body does too. Many people take vitamin supplements to ensure optimum health even through the dreariest weather; vitamin C is often touted as a flu-fighter '€” Redoxon and Vitacimin are both very popular '€” while many take vitamin D as the sun takes a step back for a time.

Such supplements are widely available at convenience stores and supermarkets, so they are easy to buy when you run out. However, specialty supplement stores in shopping malls, such as GNC Indonesia, offer a wider range for those looking for something specific. '€” JP