Health Protection

                        F a c t s

Preparing for an Emergency: Food and Water Storage Tips

Food and Water Storage Tips

During emergencies you may not be able to obtain water and food.

During emergencies your home food and water supplies may be damaged, deteriorated, or destroyed.

Potable water is the most critically important food item.

• Drinking

• Cooking

• Making hot or cold beverages

• Making baby formula

• Brushing teeth

• Taking medicines

• Washing wounds

Canned or bottled (shelf stable) foods are best for emergency food supplies.

Bottled water is best for emergency water supplies.

NEVER

v     Drink water from an unknown source or of unknown quality and safety.

v     Drink tap water during or after a disaster until after water system has been cleared.

v     Eat unprotected perishable food stored at room temperature more than 2 hours.

v     Put food in a non-food container or one used for anything else, e.g. chemicals.

v     Eat frozen foods that have warmed to more than 40 degrees F.

v     Eat food from a can that is swollen or from a jar with a swollen lid.

v     Eat food from a severely dented can.

v     Eat fresh fruit or vegetables that are not sanitized prior to eating.

v     Try to save food in jars or flexible packages if affected by flood water.

ALWAYS

ü      Prepare in advance with emergency food and water supplies and prescription drugs.

ü      Store emergency supplies cool, high, and dry until needed.

ü      Use and replace emergency supplies annually.

ü      Discard all damaged food, drugs, and cosmetics and any of these items moistened by flood waters.

ü      Wash and sanitize food containers before opening or drinking from them.

ü      Clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces and utensils.

ü      Use a thermometer to insure refrigerators and freezers are working properly.

ü      Use household bleach to disinfect water and sanitize food containers, and fresh produce.

ü      Discard severely rusted cans of food.

ü      Remember to drink an adequate amount of potable water.

ü      Keep your personal hygiene items dry.