What’s the connection between severe weather and food?
Think about some possible conditions during and after storms and floods. At this time of the year, thunderstorms and tornados can cause loss of electrical power, and the same can happen during winter snowstorms.
Food can spoil or become contaminated when unrefrigerated or exposed to flood water that is full of toxic substances, such as sewage or chemicals.
If the power goes off for more than a few hours, your refrigerated food supply could spoil. Food in freezers can last up to 48 hours if the freezer is fairly full and the door remains closed.
Running to the store to buy fresh food may not work if the power outage was long and widespread, because your local store suffered loss of electricity too.
After a weather disaster or emergency, throw away perishable food that didn’t stay at refrigerator temperature (40 degrees) constantly.
Also throw away food that may have come in contact with floodwater or stormwater, such as anything in non-waterproof packages.
Screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops and crimped tops are not waterproof, nor is meat wrapped in plastic.
If any food has an unusual odor, color or texture, then throw it out.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
