Food, water safety tips
for hurricane season
PHILIPSBURG--The Office of Disaster Management and Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA) are calling on the community to be conscious of food and water safety in the event of a hurricane.
In a press release issued through Government Information Services (GIS), the two departments said, “It is during this relatively peaceful time that each person should take action to prepare for the months ahead, as it is unwise to wait until the last minute to be prepared for a storm situation.
“Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer,” the two departments advised. “An appliance thermometer will indicate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer in case of a power outage and help determine if the food is safe. Make sure the freezer is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the refrigerator is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.”
The departments advised residents to freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers after the power had been cut off. If the normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will supply drinking water, the departments said.
“Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps to keep them at a safe temperature longer. Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer. Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.”
Residents were also advised to purchase or make ice cubes and store them in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler and to freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
“Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased. Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding. Make sure to have a supply of bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.
“When the power goes off, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
“If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs while they are still at safe temperatures,” the release said, “it’s important that the food is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to assure that any food-borne bacteria that may be present are destroyed.
“Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating. For infants, if possible, use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated,” stated the release.
“Prepare Early: Better Safe than Sorry,” is the theme for the season chosen by the Office of Disaster Management and Preparedness.
The names left for storms for this season are Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Hélène, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Raphael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William. The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
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