we all have em

Elderly neighbors, a reminder to check on them during, esp.  these  unexpected ice storms. Extra blankets, thermos of warm liquids, etc.      

 

After the Emergency
If you've lost power for more than two hours:

• If the appliance thermometer in the freezer indicates that temperatures are 40 ºF or lower, it's safe to refreeze these foods. Otherwise, check each package individually using a food thermometer. Individual food items below 40 ºF are safe to refreeze. Keep in mind that refreezing partially thawed foods may lower their quality, even though they are safe to eat. Consider cooking with those foods in coming days or weeks.
• Discard any perishable foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers that have been above 40 ºF for two hours or more.

If your kitchen was inundated with flood waters:

• Discard all foods that came in contact with floodwaters, including canned goods and home-canned goods, since it's impossible to know if containers were damaged and the seals compromised. Although expert opinions are mixed whether undamaged commercially canned goods can be sanitized and safely used (once the paper labels are removed), throwing away all exposed cans is the safest route.
• Throw away wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since it's nearly impossible to safely clean them.
• Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils with hot soapy water and then either boil them in clean water for 10-15 minutes or immerse in a bleach solution (two teaspoons of chlorine bleach per quart of water) for 15 minutes.
• Drink only bottled water until you are certain your water supply is safe.
• Use a solution of two teaspoons of chlorine bleach per quart of water to clean surfaces and metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils after you've washed them in hot soapy water

Shelf Life of Stored Foods
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (LINK: http://www.fema.gov/) recommends these guidelines for rotating common emergency foods:
Use within six months:

• Powdered milk (boxed)
• Dried fruit (in metal container)
• Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
• Potatoes

Use within one year:

• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy, chocolate bars and canned nuts

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee and tea
• Vitamin C
• Cocoa
• Noncarbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)

Health and Safety (including food safety):

• Anti-bacterial hand gel and baby wipes
• Appliance thermometer and food thermometer
• First aid kit
• Paper towels
• Re-sealable baggies and garbage bags
• Vitamins, minerals and protein supplements

Food and food preparation:

• Bottled water (estimate 1 gallon per day per person, plus extra for food prep and hygiene)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nonperishable foods
• Canned meats, chicken and fish
• Canned chili, spaghetti, stew and vegetables
• Granola bars, trail mix and nuts
• Canned fruits and juices
• Evaporated or dry milk
• Instant soups
• Cereals and crackers (low-salt variety, so you don't crave extra water)
• Baby food and formula
• Pet foods and supplies
• Special dietary items
• Peanut butter and jelly (look for serving-size packages that don't require refrigeration)
• Hard candy, chocolate bars
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Manual can opener

Other necessary supplies include:
Communications:

• A battery-powered AM-FM radio, weather radio and batteries
• A land-line or corded phone
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including numbers for the power, gas and water companies.
• Backup plans in case family members are separated during an emergency. Designate a contact person who is not a member of your immediate family and with whom everyone can check in.

Odds and Ends:

• A list of dry ice suppliers (about 15 to 20 pounds of dry ice will keep temperatures in most freezers or refrigerators low for up to 24 hours)
• Frequently used medicines
• Blankets
• Prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Battery-operated lantern and batteries
• A wind-up or battery-powered clock
• Warm blankets
• Fuel for space heaters. Be certain to store this safely.
• Blankets