Feeding Your Family - PowerPoint Presentation

Feeding Your Family When Disaster Strikes

In this session……Preparing for an emergency or disasterFoods to have on handKeeping food safe during an emergency or disaster

Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!Assemble your disaster supplies kitShould contain enough supplies so you can take care of yourself and your family without any outside help for AT LEAST 3 daysKit contents will depend on: Size of the family Special needs

What is in a Disaster Kit?WaterFood and utensilsExtra clothingFirst aid kit Emergency items (e.g. battery operated radio, flashlights, batteries, garbage bags, baby wipes, toilet paper) Special needs items (diapers, medications, pet food and supplies, etc) Source: Preparing for the Unexpected , Texas AgriLife publication B-6178

Try to eat well to maintain strength during an emergency or disaster Try to eat a variety of foods. Eat at least one well-balanced meal/day Consider vitamin/mineral supplement Drink enough fluid to maintain hydration

Food and water to have on hand during an emergencyPack food and water for at least 3 days Safe drinking water is essential for survival ! Can become scarce/contaminated during an emergencyChoose foods that don’t need refrigeration or preparation Open and eat! Look at your pantry for ideas (you want foods that you/your family will eat)

Water Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day Ex: Family of 4 4 x 1 gallon each x 3 days = 12 gallons Individuals who are ill, children, older adults and nursing mothers often need more Will want extra water during summer months (heat + humidity) Get your water BEFORE a disaster happens.

Storing water Buy bottled water – easiest and preferred Store tap water Use food grade plastic containers or water bottles Glass is heavy and breaks – not recommended Plastic soda bottles are okay. Milk jugs or cardboard juice/milk boxes are very hard to clean and not recommended Wash and sanitize containers (1 tsp bleach/quart of water) before filling Get your water BEFORE a disaster happens.

Storing bottled waterKeep bottled water in its original container until ready for use.Rotate every 6 months to assure best qualityUse by the date stamped on bottleStore bottles of water in a cool place (at least temperature) and away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, laundry soap. Get your water BEFORE a disaster happens.

Storing your tap water…Label and date water containersStore away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, laundry soap.Can also be stored in the freezer.Once opened, try to use within 1-2 days. Replace every 6 months. Get your water BEFORE a disaster happens.

Emergency Food Supplies Buy kits already assembled Make your own

Foods to have in a disaster kitProtein bars Ready-to-eat cerealsFruit bars Smoked/dried meatGranola bars Canned soups/stews Formula/baby food Foods for medical cond. Dried and/or canned fruit Multivitamin/mineral Nuts/peanut butter Comfort foods Crackers Canned beans/vegetables Canned juices Canned meat (tuna or chicken) Meals ready to eat (MREs) Canned milk

Don’t forget utensilsManual can openerPaper towels and platesPlastic utensils (knives/forks)Something to heat canned foods (if desired)Scissors (cut open foil packages) Plastic storage bags Hand sanitizer/wipes

Storing your emergency food & water suppliesPack in air-tight containers to keep moisture and insects out. Watch “best if used by” and/or expiration dates. Rotate food supplies If flooding is a concern, store food off the floor. To maintain quality, store in cool, dry place (inside the home; not garage)

Use foods wisely during power outagesUse food in the refrigerator first.Freezer second- make a list of foods in the freezer to reduce # of times the freezer door is opened Emergency food supplies third

Keep Refrigerated Foods Safe During a Power LossKeep an appliance thermometer in refrigerator. Recommended temperature = 40 degrees If the power goes off, foods in the refrigerator will usually keep for 4 hours IF the refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees or lower you keep door shut If the refrigerator temperature gets 40 degrees for more than 2 hours, some foods will need to be thrown away.

Keep Frozen Food Safe During a Power LossFood in the freezer should stay frozen for 1-2 days depending on how full it is. Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer. Recommended temperature for freezer is 0 degrees Store meat/poultry on lowest shelves. Keep a list of foods you have stored in the freezer so you don’t have to open it too often.

Keep Frozen Food Safe During a Power OutageIf thawed, many frozen foods can be refrozen IF ice crystals are present. If food is thawed but freezer temperature stays at 40 or below, the food should be safe to eat. If frozen foods have thawed and been at 40◦ F or warmer for 2 or more hours, some will need to be thrown out.

Remember….Prepare your emergency food supplies before an emergency or disaster strikes.You cannot tell if food is safe by looking or smelling it. It is not worth the risk of getting a foodborne illness – especially during an emergency. When in doubt, throw it out!

Thank you!