Food Safety During Natural Disasters

With hurricane Idalia devastating the southeastern coast, our thoughts and prayers go out to all experiencing the weather-related challenges . With so many without power and many having flood damage, I thought we should discuss how to keep yourself safe from foodborne illness in the wake of such catastrophe.

Preparation – Before the Storm

Being prepared is key in keeping your food supply safe and staying healthy. (1)(2)

• Keep enough food and water to last at least three days. Don’t forget any pets that you might have.  Water needs will increase when you are in a hot climate and there are pets, small children, people who are ill, and pregnant women involved.
• Food items should be shelf stable and food your family enjoys. Here is a link to a great list of types of foods to keep on hand. https://www.ready.gov/food#supplies.
• Food thermometer and extra batteries
• Make sure that you have items for anyone who has special dietary needs – sugar free, low salt, etc.
• A three-day supply of medications
• Thermometers for refrigerators and freezers.
• Ice chests or coolers
• A non-electric can opener
• Unscented chlorine bleach

• Store supplies in waterproof containers above flood levels. They do best in cool, dry, areas.

Damage Control – After the Incident

Be it flood, earthquake, or storms, make sure that you are only consuming foods that are safe. The following recommendations come from the USDA-FSIS website which can be found here: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/consumers-guide-food-safety-severe . (1)(2)

• If the power goes out, foods in refrigerators should be good for up to four hours and freezers (if full) 48 hours if the doors are kept closed. Certain refrigerated items can be salvaged after the four hours according to www.foodsafety.gov. They have a handy chart that gives guidance for both refrigerated items and frozen items. I suggest downloading and printing this chart and keeping it with your supplies. It can be found at https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

• Do not consume foods that have been damaged by water. Throw them away!
• Canned foods can be salvaged by cleaning them in chlorinated water. Make sure the can is not damaged in anyway and is not bulging or leaking. If you are not sure that the food is safe, throw it away. 

• Make sure that you do not forget to clean preparation, eating and cooking surfaces, just as you would normally.  If your cooking space has been affected, clean with soap and the hottest water available, and disinfect with a bleach solution of 1 Tbsp to 1 gallon of water. (2)

There are many great resources available to consumers that will help you to prepare and get through the initial time of a natural disaster. These resources can be found at:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety

https://www.ready.gov/foodhttps://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1591132674323

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/protect-food-and-water-during-hurricanes-and-other-storms

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/food-safety.html

Food safety can be achieved during the most wretched conditions, if care and attention to where, how, and what you are eating is maintained. Being prepared is always a smart thing to do, no matter what type of disaster strikes. As always, wash your hands, stay safe, and try to be prepared for whatever comes your way.

1. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (n.d.). Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency. Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/food-safety-in-disaster-or-emergency#prepare
2. A Consumer’s Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/consumers-guide-food-safety-severe
3. Check your hurricane food supply. (2020, June 3). https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1591132674323