Hurricane Safety Resources
Hurricane Safety Resources
The FDA reminds consumers to take precautions for storing water and ensuring the safety of their food and medical supplies for themselves, their families, and their pets during and after any hurricane-related rain, possible flooding and power outages.
In general, FDA encourages consumers to:
Food
- Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Do not eat food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth and similar containers that have been water-damaged.
- Discard food and beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops and home canned foods, if they have come in contact with flood water. These containers cannot be disinfected.
- Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
For more information, see
- Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (information for industry and consumers) (En Español) and (En Français)
- Hurricanes and Floods: Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety (en Español)
- Power Outages: Key Tips for Consumers About Food Safety (en Español).
Water
- Area health departments will determine whether local tap water can be used for drinking. If the water cannot be used or is questionable, and bottled water is not available, then use the directions in the next bullet to purify it.
- Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool and store it in clean containers with covers.
- If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before you use it.
- If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection.
- If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
For more information on keeping food and water safe during a hurricane and flooding check our emergency page here. You can also find additional instructions on disinfecting drinking water during an emergency on the EPA’s website.
Pets
- If you have to leave your home, take your pet with you if at all possible. You are the best person to take care of your pet.
- Pets should be contained in a carrier or on a leash.
- Emergencies can make pets display unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors. It may take several weeks before your pet’s behavior is back to normal.
- Allow your pet plenty of time to rest and get used to new surroundings. Provide familiar toys, if possible.
For more information see:
- Take Care of Your Pets Before Disaster Strikes
- Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods
Drugs Exposed to Water
- Drugs exposed to flood or unsafe municipal water may become contaminated. This contamination may lead to[…]
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