Emergencies can happen, especially with extreme weather conditions. When they do, the best strategy is to already have a plan in place. This includes knowing the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage — and being prepared to safely handle food and water in the event of flooding, says the US Food and Drug Administration.

Prepare yourself before power emergencies. For instance, make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer. Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0° F, and the refrigerator is at or below 40° F. In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.

Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water. Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.

During an emergency, if you use food or beverage containers to hold non-food substances like gasoline, dispose of them after use.

If flooding occurs, only use water from a safe source for drinking and washing or preparing food. Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters, if it is available. If you don’t have bottled water, boil or disinfect water. Discard any food or beverage that is not in a waterproof container if there is a chance it has come into contact with flood water.

Source: USFDA

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