Weathering the Storms
20 Tips from Hurricane Survivors
When Is Food Still Safe to Eat?
An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. An unopened, full freezer will keep its temperature for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will stay cold for about 24 hours.
Thoroughly cook refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish and eggs to assure food-borne bacteria is destroyed.
If food from the freezer still contains ice crystals or the freezer temperature has remained at 40 degrees F or below, the food is safe to refreeze or cook. Discard any perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40 degrees F for two hours or more.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
May 2006 — Hurricane preparation guides provide lists of important items to stock up on, but those who have lived through a storm often have some of the best ideas. Some South Florida residents who were here during Hurricane Wilma share their practical tips for hurricane survival.
FOOD, COOKING & STORAGE
- Use disposable plates, cups and tablewear. Zip-top food storage bags are easy to stow in ice chests. When it comes to ice chests, garbage bags and other storage items, think “large capacity.” Clean up with paper towels and spray cleaners rather than cloths or sponges, which can grow bacteria and mold.
- Save and refill small, empty bottles of drinking water. The frozen bottles can chill a refrigerator or ice chest. Drink the cool, melted ice.
- Canned fuel often doesn’t cook foods quickly or evenly. A propane-fueled camp stove — always used outdoors — is a better choice, and it uses less fuel than a large gas grill. You’ll find pre-filled propane tanks where camping supplies are sold.
- Collect individual packets of mayonnaise to mix with tuna. That way, you won’t need to store a large open jar of mayonnaise during power outages.
- Consider energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and meal-replacement bars. Many of these items will stay fresh without refrigeration.
- If you have an infant on baby formula, purchase the liquid, ready-to-use kind instead of powder or concentrate, which must be mixed with water.
- Coffee lovers: Put a teapot on a grill or camp stove and use instant or individual tea-bag-style coffees. Powdered coffee creamer or single servings of liquid creamer are good substitutes for refrigerated milk or cream.
PERSONAL CARE
- Do as much laundry as possible before the hurricane arrives so you’ll have all the clean clothes and towels you need.
- Buy baby wipes for personal bathing during power and water pressure losses. Keep individual bottles of water by the sink for tooth-brushing when water is unsafe to drink, or use mouthwash instead.
- While many recommend filling bathtubs with water to help flush toilets, this is not always practical or safe, especially with young children in the home. A swimming pool and filled washing machine are other sources for flushable water.
PROPERTY PROTECTION
- Do a test installation of new shutters before an approaching hurricane to be sure you have the necessary screws and bolts and that everything fits properly. Oil or grease accordion shutters regularly to ensure they’ll close easily; check shutter bolts to be sure they’re not rusty or broken.
- Pool owners: Add extra chlorine before the storm to compensate for fallen debris. Purchase a “skimmer” net to remove leaves and branches after the storm.
- If you are unable to remove items such as tree cuttings from your property prior to the hurricane, store them in large garbage bags inside a garage or shed so they don’t become missiles during the storm.
- Change your camera batteries and purchase film to take photos of storm-damaged property. Take “before” photos of your property (inside and outside) to assist with claims after the storm.
PREPARING FOR OUTAGES
- Purchase hurricane-friendly items such as battery-operated fans, televisions and lamps, as well as hand-crank flashlights and radios. Buy refrigerator and freezer thermometers to help you determine whether your food is safe to eat after long power outages. Take your flashlight with you whenever leaving home; you’ll need it when you return after dark. Battery-operated lanterns are easier to light up a bathroom than cumbersome flashlights — and they project more light.
- Get a generator large enough to power several items at once, along with plenty of fuel. Run your generator 10 to 15 minutes each month throughout the year so residual oil and gas doesn’t ruin an idle generator. If possible, install a gas-powered water heater, stove or other appliances in your home.
- Stock up on puzzles, craft supplies, books, games and other entertainment items that don’t require electricity. Spend time together reading, telling stories, playing a musical instrument, looking through old photographs, star-gazing and enjoying other family activities. In addition to providing a diversion for children, you’ll be sharing positive experiences they’ll remember for years to come.
- Avoid the long lines: Gas up your automobiles early. Get cash from the ATM. Buy or make ample supplies of ice. Have enough non-perishable food and water to feed your family and pets for a week. Purchase more batteries than you think you’ll need; you can use them for other purposes year-round.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Since cordless, portable house phones also require electricity, you should own at least one non-portable house phone.
- Establish a phone tree to minimize calls when checking or reporting on family members after the storm. Or, learn to use cell phone text messaging. (One resident says this was the only way she could communicate with others after Hurricane Wilma.) And be sure to have a list of key phone numbers written down, in case you’re unable to access online lists, speed-dialing systems or mobile phone address books.
A final word from the Wilma-wise: Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, don’t focus on the projected linear path of a hurricane and don’t underestimate its intensity. Rather, consider the entire geographical area of concern, and prepare for the worst possible scenario.