Keeping Food and Water Safe During Storms
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
When gale-force winds start blowing and torrential rains raise water levels, you need to be ready.
Power outages mean refrigerated food and medicine supplies may spoil. Floods may contaminate tap water and emergency supplies not stored properly with sewage, chemicals, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, or other contaminants.
If the storm or flood is severe enough, you may need to evacuate with little time to prepare. Don’t put off being prepared until the emergency hits.
Keeping Food and Water Safe
Consumers, especially in storm-prone areas, should maintain an emergency kit stocked with non-perishable food, extra medication and hygiene supplies. Here are some food-related tips to remember:
Do not eat any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance it came in contact with flood water.
Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans. Damaged cans may have swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, or rusting.
Do not eat food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth and similar containers that have been water-damaged.
Discard food and beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops and home canned foods, if they have come in contact with flood water. These containers cannot be disinfected.
Follow tips on how to keep food safe at proper temperatures.
Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs or leftovers) that has been held at room temperature for 2 hours or more (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90º F).
Food safety doesn’t stop with inspecting the packaging. It also involves what comes in contact with the food after you open it:
Thoroughly wash pots, pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented household (5.25% concentration) liquid bleach per gallon of water.
Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented household (5.25% concentration) liquid bleach per gallon of water. Allow to air dry.
