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| Is this food still good? ~ Image: MorgueFiles |
Food storage in emergencies doesn't have to be problematic. Events where the power is not available for refrigeration need to be addressed with foods that require no power to be preserved.
Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are ideal in these times. Food stored in cans or sealed in glass bottles, too, keep better because they require little more than space in your pantry. Use up quickly any foods that may turn unhealthy is your first line of defense in protecting what you have on hand and your health. Food borne illnesses are an element of a crisis for some folks but that doesn't mean it has to be a part of your survival preparedness
Consider storing bottles of water in the freezer. Ready to go refrigeration is at your disposal and all it takes is a simple transfer from freezer to ice chest and your foods are protected.
Knowing how to tell if your food is still safe and usable in emergencies only takes a few applied pieces of good information.
Here are some guidelines and useful tips from the Health Department in West Virginia.
From: The Charleston Gazette
July 1, 2012 By Mackenzie Mays
Health department advises safe food storage during storm recovery
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As thousands of West Virginians remain without power following Friday's storm and rush to available stores to stock up on ice and other supplies, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is advising people to be careful when preparing and storing food.
Any illness caused by incorrectly prepared food is even more dangerous during the state of emergency, as many are struggling to find resources amid record high temperatures, said Sean Carver, sanitarian for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. "Food safety during this time is especially important to people who may already have illnesses or low immune systems such as small children and senior citizens. Right now, people need to stay hydrated with clean water and make sure they're storing their food the right way," Carver said. "At a time like this, it's better to be safe than sorry."
Friday's storm caused one of the biggest power outages in recent history, with 53 of West Virginia's 55 counties experiencing power loss. Kanawha, Putnam, Cabell, McDowell, Mercer, Summers and Wayne counties may not see full restoration until the weekend, according to Appalachian Power officials.
The health department is working with the Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center to provide the public with storm recovery guidelines, such as what to do with perishable food and how to store emergency water supplies.
Food in the freezer will only remain frozen up to 24 hours if the freezer door remains closed. If frozen foods have thawed and been stored at temperatures above 41 degrees for less than four hours, they are safe to eat if used immediately, Carver said.
If the temperature of perishable foods rises above 41 degrees for more than four hours, it should be discarded. Usually, foods with ice crystals in their centers are safe to eat for at least three days, according to a news release.
"Just because food gets cold again after it's gotten warm doesn't mean it's OK to eat," Carver said. "People have to be alert and careful." Other storm recovery guidelines provided by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department include:
• Cover the freezer with blankets to insulate food. Do not cover the air vent openings. This will help keep foods cold for a longer period of time.
• Use dry ice to help keep frozen food safe for an extended period of time.
• Only use fireplaces, charcoal grills, camp stoves and other alternate cooking sources outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.(more...)
Any illness caused by incorrectly prepared food is even more dangerous during the state of emergency, as many are struggling to find resources amid record high temperatures, said Sean Carver, sanitarian for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. "Food safety during this time is especially important to people who may already have illnesses or low immune systems such as small children and senior citizens. Right now, people need to stay hydrated with clean water and make sure they're storing their food the right way," Carver said. "At a time like this, it's better to be safe than sorry."
Friday's storm caused one of the biggest power outages in recent history, with 53 of West Virginia's 55 counties experiencing power loss. Kanawha, Putnam, Cabell, McDowell, Mercer, Summers and Wayne counties may not see full restoration until the weekend, according to Appalachian Power officials.
The health department is working with the Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center to provide the public with storm recovery guidelines, such as what to do with perishable food and how to store emergency water supplies.
Food in the freezer will only remain frozen up to 24 hours if the freezer door remains closed. If frozen foods have thawed and been stored at temperatures above 41 degrees for less than four hours, they are safe to eat if used immediately, Carver said.
If the temperature of perishable foods rises above 41 degrees for more than four hours, it should be discarded. Usually, foods with ice crystals in their centers are safe to eat for at least three days, according to a news release.
"Just because food gets cold again after it's gotten warm doesn't mean it's OK to eat," Carver said. "People have to be alert and careful." Other storm recovery guidelines provided by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department include:
• Cover the freezer with blankets to insulate food. Do not cover the air vent openings. This will help keep foods cold for a longer period of time.
• Use dry ice to help keep frozen food safe for an extended period of time.
• Only use fireplaces, charcoal grills, camp stoves and other alternate cooking sources outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.(more...)
Food borne illnesses can be prevented and loss of foods can be, too. Store it right the first time and prepare refrigerator items before hand for when a condition arises that may effect it's quality. Temperatures can be maintained with a few simple tips preserving food quality and keeping your family safe from food borne illnesses in times of emergency.
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For Dry Storage Suggestions See: Food Storage My Favorite Tips and tricks - On Squidoo
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