Food
Floods, Hurricanes & Power Outages: Keeping Food and Water Safe
The time to plan for a weather emergency or power outage is before it happens. The FDA has provided the information on this page to help you develop a plan for keeping food and water safe in such an event. Whether you are getting ready to evacuate or shelter in place, or you are returning home after an emergency, it’s important to be aware of how to avoid foodborne illness from contaminated food or water.
Topics on this page:
- Information for Industry (food industry and retailers)
- Additional Information from FDA
- Information from Other Government Agencies
Information for Consumers
Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods - What Consumers Need to Know
Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Flooding
Hurricanes and Floods - Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety
Information for Industry
Guidance for Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption
Disposition of Food From Flood-Affected Crops
- Letter to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture September 16, 2011
- Letter to State Agriculture Departments/Agencies September 27, 2011
Guidance for Industry: Use of Water by Food Manufacturers in Areas Subject to a Boil-Water Advisory
Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding
Additional Information from FDA
Information from Other Government Agencies
National Hurricane Center (NOAA)
For more information on safe food handling, go to Disaster Assistance from FoodSafety.gov or call FDA's toll-free information line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).