2022 Fall Home and Garden

Page 6 2022 Fall Home & Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 23, 2022 • A disaster can easily disrupt food supply, so be sure that you have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand. • Keep foods that have a long storage life, require little or no cooking, and are not spicy or salty, which would require more drinking water. • Be sure to keep in mind any dietary restrictions of the family members you will be feeding. • Store the emergency food in a cool, dry, dark place, preferably in airtight containers to protect from insects, rodents, and the elements. • Check expiration dates of canned foods and dry mixes, which should be changed out on a regular basis. • Throw away any food that is in swollen, dented, or corroded cans. • Do not eat any food that smells rotten or looks abnormal, even if the can is okay. To prepare and serve the food quickly and efficiently one should, also, have paper plates, plastic silverware, aluminum foil, a propane or charcoal grill with fuel, a non-electric can opener, and cooking utensils. Matches in a waterproof container should be in the emergency kit to start the grill or light candles. Use the fireplace or fondue pots during emergencies as an alternative heat source for cooking. It is especially important to wash your hands and cooking surfaces after a disaster to prevent any food poisoning from happening; use the unscented liquid chlorine bleach that you have stored in your emergency kit. Because the amount of active chlorine in bleach decreases over time, consider replacing the bottle at least once a year. Along with food, store at least a 3-day supply of water for each member of the family and each pet. It is recommended that you store at least one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider storing more water for cleaning and bathing. While unopened commercially bottled water is the safest emergency water supply, remember that store bought water jugs have expiration dates, so, like the food, be sure to change out the bottled water regularly, at least every 6 months. Dispose of any bottled water that has an odor. Store water in a place with a cool temperature that does not receive direct sunlight. Whatever your water source, be sure it is safe before drinking, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, preparing food, or using for personal hygiene. Follow recommendations of your local health department for boiling or treating water in your area. Contact the health department for specific instructions concerning water that has been contaminated by toxic chemicals during a disaster. CONTINUED u