Restoration Local Offers Tips on Food Safety During Emergencies
Cleveland OH (PRWEB) October 09, 2013 -- Restoration Local, one of the leading providers of water damage repair and restoration service in the country, is offering tips on food safety in the wake of power outages, flooding, or other unexpected emergency scenarios. It is not uncommon for people to survive emergency situations only to become the victim of tainted or contaminated food.
Meat, poultry and eggs should always be kept refrigerated at a temp of at least 40 degrees F, and frozen food kept at or below 0 degrees F. This will become a problem if the power is out for an extended period. Food can be kept cold longer by simply keeping refrigerator and freezer doors shut. Doing so will add about 4 hours to refrigerated foods, and about 48 hours to frozen food. Ice may also be placed in the units to keep temps down. Coolers and gel packs may also be used to keep temperatures in check.
It is also possible to prepare in advance for this type of emergency by storing food in an area that may be inaccessible by problems such as flooding, and stocking up on items that do not require refrigeration. Shelf stable food, canned milk, water, and canned goods can make sure that any power outage or emergency situation is sustainable over a period of several days.
Digital thermometers should be watched carefully, since they are the most accurate method for determining when fridge temps have risen to high enough levels to cause concern. Thermometers may also be designed to take the temp of an individual piece of food if there is any doubt.
For flooded gardens, crops should be thrown out, since flood waters are almost always contaminated. Likewise, throw out any food stored in shelves or pantries that are inundated with flood water, and do not eat any foods that come in contact with flood water.
Based in Cleveland OH, RestorationLocal.com is one of the leading water damage restoration companies in the country, with contractors in 30 states. They are available 24/7 and all work is guaranteed. More information on water damage prevention and treatment can be found at their website.
Darrell Ritchie, 33 Mile Radius, http://www.33mileradius.com/, +1 6788604004, [email protected]
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