|
Other Areas of Interest in Disaster & Emergency Management
|
SAFE FOOD Foods that have come in contact with chemicals, dust, smoke, flood waters, waters from broken pipes, or improper temperatures can be dangerous to use. After a natural disaster or an extended power outage, etc., all food must be examined closely prior to use. Consumption of contaminated food is not worth the risk of illness. Because of overflowing sewers, street runoff, decomposing animals, etc., consider all tap water unsafe following a flood, regardless of its source. Listen for public announcements on the safety of your local water supply before using any water for drinking, cooking or cleaning. Food Temperatures
Refrigerated Foods
Frozen Foods
Commercially Canned Foods Generally, fire and smoke damage causes the greatest destruction to food. Smoke odors seem to penetrate any type of container with the exception of commercially canned foods. Foods damaged by fire (wet, burned, heavy smoke contamination or toxic fumes) cannot be cleaned enough to use. However, many commercially canned foods can be saved if they are not dented or damaged. Throw away any canned goods that are bulging, leaking, or that have come in contact with industrial or sewage waste. . Canned goods exposed to extreme temperatures can not be salvaged. When in doubt, throw it out! The outside of commercially canned foods may become
contaminated during a disaster. Clean the canned goods as follows:
|
||||||||
