Franklin County

   July 2008
 

How foods are affected by disaster

It seems we have had our share of disasters in the United States in the last few months.

It is always a good idea to have non-perishable foods that can be eaten without cooking available for emergency situations.

After all the work of freezing or home canning, there may be some temptation to use foods affected by a disaster since you have invested so much time and effort.

During many disasters, there is a possibility of  loss of power. The time to plan for emergencies is before it happens.

Look for sources of block ice and dry ice, so you will know where to get it if the need arises. Dry ice can maintain the temperature in a freezer for more than four days. A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially full freezer. Foods in the freezer should be safe for two to four days, depending on the size and fullness of the freezer. Freeze bags or containers of water ahead of time to help fill the freezer and provide ice to use in ice chests, in the instance there is a power failure. This will also help preserve perishable refrigerator foods during a power outage.

Refrigerated foods will be safe for four hours, as long as the refrigerator is kept closed.  For more information see: http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/hesguide/foodnut/gh1506.htm, or contact your local University of Missouri Extension center and ask for publication GH1506 Quality for Keeps: Freezer Problem Solver.

Home-canned goods can also be affected during disasters. Home-canned goods should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood water or any toxic waste. Jars with screw lids cannot be disinfected.   

After a tornado, inspect home-canned goods carefully to see if there is any damage to the jars. Inspect them again before using the canned goods to be sure the seal is intact, also check for any off odors or discoloration. Any jars of home-canned food that have been in a fire should be discarded, due to pressure changes and possible seal leakage caused by the heat.  Canned goods that freeze will be of lower quality, but if the seal is intact, they should be safe.

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		University of Missouri Extension Franklin County Site maintained by: Billie Jo Brenner, brennerbj@missouri.edu Last revised: 07/02/08