Safe handling of food and water every day is important to prevent the spread of illnesses. In an emergency, the safe handling of food and water becomes even more important to keep people healthy in a situation that is more stressful than a person’s daily life.
Situations such as flooding, tornado damage, power outages and other emergencies increase the potential for contamination.
The time to prepare for emergencies is before they happen. There are many things to consider when preparing your family for the possible emergency situations that you could encounter.
You can start by making a list of the different types of emergencies you might have to deal with in the area where you live. Next, make a list of the essential items you need every day such as food, water and personal or family medication.
How will you make sure that you have the essentials if the power goes out? What about if your house becomes flooded? What do you need to take with you if you have to evacuate?
To get more information on planning for an emergency, check out the Ready in 3 website, health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/index.php.
Food safety during these events should be a very important part of your planning. There are fact sheets, such as "Food Safety during Power Outages" at www.fda.gov/media/72124, that have good information for helping you plan. Another source of food safety information in emergencies is the FDA’s Consumer Information website, www.fda.gov/consumers.
This column was compiled using information from DHSS.gov.
The Howell County Health Department, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains, has a stated mission to improve, promote and protect the health of Howell County through awareness, assessment, planning and assurance so that the community can achieve its fullest health potential. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a lunchtime closure from noon to 1 p.m. daily. Call 417-256-7078 or visit www.howellcountyhealth.com for more information.
