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Virginia Cooperative Extension
After a storm has knocked out electricity or gas lines, cooking
meals can be a problem and can be hazardous if a few basic rules
are not followed.
- Charcoal
or gas grills are the most obvious alternative sources of
heat for cooking. NEVER USE THEM INDOORS. In doing
so you risk both asphyxiation from carbon monoxide and the
chance of starting a fire that could destroy your home.
- Likewise,
camp stoves that use gasoline or solid fuel should always
be used outdoors.
- Small
electrical appliances can be used to prepare meals if you
have access to an electrical generator.
- Wood
can be used for cooking in many situations. You can cook
in a fireplace if the chimney is sound. Don't start a fire
in a fireplace that has a broken chimney. Be sure the damper
is open.
- If
you're cooking on a wood stove, make sure the stove pipe
has not been damaged.
- If
you have to build a fire outside, build it away from buildings,
never in a carport. Sparks can easily get into the ceiling
and start a house fire.
- Never
use gasoline to get a wood or charcoal fire started.
- Make
sure any fire is well-contained. A metal drum or stones
around the fire bed are good precautions. A charcoal grill
is a good place in which to build a wood fire. Be sure to
put out any fire when you are through with it.
- When
cooking is not possible, many canned foods can be eaten
cold.
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Based on
information developed by Clemson Cooperative Extension following
Hurricane Hugo. Revised for Virginia audiences by Virginia Cooperative
Extension.
For
more information, contact your local office of Virginia Cooperative
Extension.
Publication
Number
490-307
,
August 1996
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