THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607120465
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A9 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 163 lines
FOOD: The ``golden rule'' of food safety is ``If you have any
doubt, throw it out.'' Here are some food-safety guidelines from the
Virginia Beach Cooperative Extensive Service:
FROM THE FREEZER
Without power, a full freezer will keep food for about two days.
A half-full freezer will keep foods for about one day.
Make the food last as long as possible by keeping the freezer
door shut.
When the power returns, you can refreeze foods that still contain
ice crystals.
FROM THE REFRIGERATOR
The refrigerator will stay cool for four to six hours without
power, depending o the temperature in your kitchen.
Discard the following items if they are kept for more than two
hours at above 40 degrees: Raw or cooked meat, poultry, or seafood;
lunch meat; milk, cream, yogurt, custard, soft cheese, eggs, egg
substitutes; cooked pasta or salads; stews, soups, casseroles;
mayonnaise or tartar sauce; refrigerator cookie dough, cream-filled
pastries, chiffon or cheese pie; meat-topped pizza.
AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Throw out anything that turns moldy or has an unusual odor or
appearance. Otherwise, these foods will keep at room temperature for
a few days: butter, margarine; fresh fruits and vegetables; dried
fruits; opened peanut butter, jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue
sauce, mustard, ketchup, olives, pickles; hard and processed
cheeses; fruit juices; fruit pies, rolls, cakes and muffins.
IF THERE IS FLOODING
If flood waters come in contact with food, the water may carry
silt, oil or waste. Discard meats, produce and jars sealed with wax
liners such as mayonnaise.
Also throw away all foods in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cloth,
home-canned items, opened containers and dented, leaking bulging or
rusted cans.
Sanitize commercial jars and cans by marking the contents. Remove
labels and wash containers in a strong detergent solution with a
scrub brush. Immerse containers for 15 minutes in a solution of 2
teaspoons bleach per quart of water and allow to air-dry.
Sanitize dishes and glasses in the same method as canned goods.
To disinfect pots and pans, boil them for 10 minutes.
Discard wooden spoons, plastic utensils, baby-bottle nipples and
pacifiers.
WATER
After a major storm, assume that all water sources are
contaminiaed until proven safe, says the Virginia Cooperative
Extension Service. Purify all water used for drinking, cooking and
washing dishes.
Here's how to disinfect water:
Heat water to a rolling boil for 10 minutes. Once the storm has
passed, use grills and camp stoves outdoors only to cook food and
boil water. Small electrical appliances can be used if you have an
electrical generator. If you have to build a fire outside, build it
away from buildings and carports.
Add eight drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
Make sure the bleach has no active ingredient other than 4 to 6
percent sodium hypochlorite.
Add 20 drops of 2 percent iodine per gallon of clear water of 40
drop per gallon of cloudy water.
Add water purification tablets, according to the directions on
the package.
Throughly mix solutions and allow to sit for 30 minutes before
using.
Always use clean or purified water to wash any part of the body
that comes in contact with flood waters.
Listen to radio and other reports from local officials. In most
cases, residents who get city water can drink it without concern.
People who get water from private wells should boil it for three to
five minutes to kill bacteria.
UTILITIES
ELECTRICITY
If flooding starts in your house, or you evacuate, turn off your
power at the main breaker.
Report broken power lines, sparks, fire or other electrical
equipment damage to an electric company customer service official.
Utilities also want to hear about broken tree limbs on lines.
If your power is out, leave a message on the electric company's
computerized voice response system. Your message will be catalogued
and repair crews will be dispatched as soon as possible.
Don't go near or touch downed lines.
NATURAL GAS
If you smell or have reason to believe a line is broken, leave
the house immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's
house. Don't go home until the problem is resolved. If flooding
starts in your home, it's a good idea to turn off gas lines -- but
only if you know how. If you don't, an alternate step is to turn off
the pilots on gas appliances. But, again, only if you know how. If
you evacuate, it's not necessary to shut off gas lines.
GENERATORS
Don't use a portable generator unless you've installed a bypass
switch. Without such a precaution your generator may energize a
downed power line.
DOWNED TREES
Leave the cleanup to professionals if trees are leaning on houses
or if power and utility lines are down. If you use a chain saw, be
sure you know its proper use -- most of the injuries and fatalities
from 1992's Hurricane Andrew occurred after the storm had passed.
Various local rental companies rent both gas and electrical chain
saws and should explain how to use them properly.
CARS AND DRIVING
Avoid flooded roadways. Water can hide debris that can damage
your car. You can also stall if water gets into the engine. Wet
brakes can also be dangerous.
Cars manufactured since 1985 are at greater risk because many
have expensive computers in low, vulnerable spots. In Hondas, for
instance, the computer is located under the passenger seat.
Computers can cost anywhere from $200 to several thousand dollars to
replace.
If your car doesn't start, it's a good idea to let it dry out for
a few days and then try again. If it still doesn't start, get it
towed to a mechanic. If you have to drive along flooded roads, go
slow. Keep your foot on the brakes, even while accelerating to help
keep the rotors dry.
Speeding along flooded roads is a bad idea because water might
get under the hood and stall the car. Some cars will start right up
after stalling; others may need a few days to dry out.
PETS
Never leave your pet outside during a storm. Make sure your pet
has securely fastened identification tags on its collar with your
name, address and phone number.
If you remain at home, make sure you have adequate food and water
for all pets.
Takes pets with you if you leave. However, pets are not allowed
in Red Cross shelters. If you live in Virginia Beach, pets with
proper identification can be dropped at the SPCA. If you live in any
other city, call your local shelter or Animal Control Bureau.
If you leave your pet at home alone, place the animal in a room
on an inside wall. And leave enough food and water for several days.
HOUSES
Prepare for high winds by bracing your garage door. That's
usually the weakest part of a house. Add support by pulling your car
into the garage and bracing it against the door. Also, lower
antennas and anchor all outside objects.
Board, shutter or tape windows. Tape won't keep glass from
shattering, but it helps prevent injury.
Remove debris or loose items from the yard. Move boats or
trailers close to your house. Fill boats with water to weigh them
down and lash them securely to trailer or tie-downs.
Safeguard valuable papers by putting them in waterproof
containers. Store them in the highest possible place or take them
with you if you evacuate.
Fill air-tight containers with drinking water: 2 gallons for
cooking. Stock more water in your bathtub, washing machine and other
containers for bathing, toilet flushing and first aid.
Fill at least one vehicle with gasoline in advance, should you be
forced to evacuate.
Have flashlight handy -- and plenty of batteries too.
Get cash. Banks may close and ATM machines may be without power.
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE BERTHA PREPARATIONS by CNB