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May 19, 2006
Hurricanes and Floods -
Key Tips for Consumers
About Food and Water Safety
Community Flyer:
This reproducible can be printed on one 8 1/2 x 11" page.
You may choose to photocopy this flyer on one side and the
Key Tips for
Power Outages
on the reverse for easy distribution.
Be
Prepared:
- Keep liquid, household bleach on hand.
- Store a supply of food, water, and
medication on shelves that will be safely out of the way in case of flooding.
- Know where you can get dry ice.
- Keep on hand a few days worth of
ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling, which depend on
electricity.
- Know what to do in case of a power
outage.
When
Flooding Occurs:
- Water Safety
- Use bottled water not exposed to flood
waters, if available.
- If bottled water is not available, boil
water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with a
cover.
- If bottled water is unavailable and
boiling water is not possible, then drinking water can be made by adding 1/8 teaspoon
(or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach to 1 gallon water. Stir
it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. (If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or
allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water before adding bleach.)
- Don't drink water from a well that has
flooded unless the water has been tested and shown to be safe to drink.
- Food Safety
- Do not eat any food directly exposed to
flood water.
- Do not eat food from non-waterproof
containers or damaged cans.
- All-metal, non-damaged canned food can
be used if the cans are cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized in a solution of 1
tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon water for 15 minutes. Labels should be
removed prior to cleaning, and the cans should be relabeled afterwards.
- Thoroughly wash, rinse, and sanitize (using
a solution of 1 tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon of water) all metal
pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers), and countertops.
For more information see: www.FoodSafety.gov -
Consumer Advice: Disaster Assistance
For more hurricane assistance, see
Health and Safety Before and After
a Storm (FDA) and
Disasters &
Emergencies: Hurricanes (HHS).