FOOD AND ICE STORAGE TIPS
Right now, buy all the
nonperishable foods you will need, put them in a box and leave
them alone, except to rotate stock. Stock up on ice and pack
coolers as early as possible. Freezing them ahead of time is less
hassle than fighting for them at a store.
Before the storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer to the
coldest setting and drape blankets over them - but keep bottom
vents clear. Then move perishables you'll use first into ice
chests to limit opening of refrigerators.
Designate one cooler you will open regularly; fill that with
drinks and less perishable items. Set aside other coolers for
more perishable things such as meats and open them only rarely.
Crank up your ice maker, break out the ice cube trays or fill
jugs with water, so you can be making and storing ice in your
freezer or coolers around the clock.
Store cubes or small blocks of ice in sealed bags and containers
so you can drink it after it melts.
Clean your bathtub out then wash it with bleach. Rinse
thoroughly. If possible, line it with plastic. Then fill it and
as many clean bottles as you can with drinking water. Fill your
toilet tank; you'll want it to flush after the storm.
Go to the Emergency Preparedness Information page, on to Your House, or back to Advance Preparations.