Food Safety During a Disaster
Did you know that a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food? Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Wash surfaces often that hold food.
- Throw out food that may be unsafe.
- Only use water that is known to be safe.
Quick Tips:
Detailed Information:
- Food Safety in Emergencies
- How It Works: Washing Hands with Soap and Water (PDF: 52KB/1 page)
- Food Supply Safety and Security in Minnesota
- Cleaning Up Your Business After a Flood
- Minnesota State and Local Environmental Health Contacts (PDF: 352KB/23 pages)
Non-MDH Resources:
- Red Cross: Tools and Resources
(including Food Safety Checklist in many languages)
- Red Cross: Food Safety
- CDC: Food, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Information for Use Before and After a Disaster or Emergency - (CDC is the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
- USDA: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
- FDA: Hurricanes and Floods -Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety
- FDA: Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Flooding
- FDA: Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding
- U of M Extension: Power outages: keep food safe
- U of M Extension: Preparing Food Without Power
