Food and Water Safety During an Emergency

[FUZO]

TweetFood and Water Safety During an Emergency


Food Safety During an Emergency

When the power goes out for more than a few minutes, you need to know what to do to be sure that your food remains safe. Perishable food should not be kept above 40 F for more than two hours. Otherwise, the food may begin to spoil and bacterial growth will start.
In the case of a potential emergency, you need to be prepared so that your food supply is clean and safe. Here are some food safety tips to remember during an emergency:

• Leave the freezer door shut. Your food will remain safe for up to 48 hours, though it depends on how full your freezer is. The more frozen food, the longer it will last.
• Keep your refrigerator door shut too. Food in the fridge will be safe for at least two hours if you don't open and close the doors.
• Store coolers someplace where you can easily find them. Make sure you have two or three so that you have plenty of room for food and ice.
• Stash bags of ice cubes in your freezer. If the electricity is out for more than three or four hours, transfer your refrigerated food into the coolers and pack them with lots of ice.
• Keep different sizes of plastic containers with tight-fitting lids on hand. You don't want to put your uncooked meats next to your cooked foods or raw produce in the coolers. So, keep food separated with individual containers.
• During hurricane, tornado, or snowstorm seasons, keep an emergency food pantry supplied with cans, packages and boxes of nonperishables. Look for expiration dates and rotate foods from your emergency stock to your regular pantry. Some ideas include canned or dried meats, canned or dried fruits, crackers, nuts, granola bars and dry cereals. Buy single servings because you may be unable to refrigerate leftovers. Keep canvas bags or backpacks close by so that you can carry food with you if you need to leave your home quickly.

Water Safety During an Emergency

You can live several days without food, but only a few days without water. Of course, you want that water to be clean, safe and free from germs and parasites. Here are some tips for safe drinking water during an emergency:

• Keep several clean bottles filled with water and sealed tightly.
• If you are unsure if your water source is safe, the American Red Cross suggests you treat the water with chlorine.
• Consider purchasing a water purifier made for hikers and campers. Be sure you buy a water purifier (buy direct) and not just a water filter.

[BABY1]

TweetGood info!