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Floods are the most common Mother Nature disaster that occur all over the world and causes many deaths and financial troubles. People seem to have had to endure a number of them no matter what region they live. Floods can occur anywhere and are caused by many scenarios such as; hurricanes and tropical storms, spring season, new construction, dams and levees. Fortunately the local weather stations can give us plenty of warning when large storms are emerging. This allows plenty of time for survival preparedness. One of the major issues that will affect everyone living in an area that has been flooded is that of food and water safety. Food may not be safe to eat after a flood and it is important that these items are discarded. Most of the Food Inspection Agency recommends the following: FOOD After a flood, the best thing to do is throw away any food (including packaged food) that has been contaminated by the flood water. Even if the food appears to be dry it still may not be safe. Throw away all meats, fish, poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables that have come in contact with flood water. As well, food in glass or plastic jars and bottles may be unsafe as the flood water may seep into the lids of these containers and may contaminate the food. Inspect food carefully after a flood. Contamination can occur if a bacterium in flood water comes in contact with the food. The only exception to this rule would be food in sealed in undamaged metal cans. These are safe for use, as long as you carefully clean and disinfect the cans before opening. This means you must remove the labels and thoroughly wash them with a scrub brush in a strong detergent solution containing chlorine bleach and then rinse well in clear water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water. You may wish to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process. Cans that are bulging or damaged are considered unsafe and unusable and should be thrown away immediately. Home canned foods in glass containers that have come in contact with flood water are not safe. Throw away the food and the flat part of the lid. The empty jars can be sterilized for future use. WATER Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if municipal tap water is safe to use. If the water is not safe to use, follow instructions given by local authorities to use boiled (1 minute rolling boil) water or alternate water supply such as bottled water for cooking or preparing food, making baby formula, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing. Boil all rain and tap water and water from containers you're not completely sure about. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing until your water supply is tested and found safe. There are also a few excellent Water Filtration Bottles and Emergency Water Filters on the market that are very effective at producing clean drinking water from almost any water source. These are the same systems that were used by the US military during the Katrina disaster. If you use a private well for your water supply, be sure to have the water tested before you resume use. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands if you have a limited supply of clean water. Do not rely on water disinfection methods or devices that have not been recommended by your local public health unit. Once the flood water has receded, your well and/or cistern will need to be disinfected. Refer to your local Health Organization on well maintenance and disinfection procedures. Contact your local health unit for further action. Need more information regarding Flood Disaster Preparedness? Visit Mark Luther's blog at Disaster Preparedness Checklist . Mark Luther is from Boston. His love his family and willing to do anything for them when it comes to their salvation. He possess a keen interest in any survival course and information related that come across to his table which may help him survive when the disaster strike.
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