0 Being Emergency Prepared for the Holidays
- Being Prepared
- by Stuart Gunn
- 13-12-2020
This excellent guide from CDEM Otago, could make getting through an emergency situation at your place much easier. It just takes a little planning.
The first thing you should have is a variety of sources of information that comes to you and you don't have to waste time chasing the internet.
Lert Info is New Zealand's ONLY dedicated alert service and sends over 20 different types of alerts which makes it NZ's only complete and most advanced service . (Sends all types of alerts.)
Also include the Hazard app and of course the Mobile Alert Service.
Sadly Facebook is no longer reliable for alerting. Messenger can be very useful though.
The charts show the Facebook weakness of it's delivery. There is a good chance you will miss posts.
Prepare your home
You can help reduce the effects of disaster on you and your property by taking the following actions:
- Securing heavy items of furniture to the floor or wall
- Store loose items (dinnerware, crockery, and kitchenware) securely
- Removing or securing objects that may fall and cause damage such as wardrobes, bookcases, appliances or ornaments
- Store household products and chemicals safely to reduce risk of spillage
- Get a builder to check the structural soundness of your home
- If you see signs of ground movement get the grounds checked by a civil engineer
When the power goes out remember - Fridge first
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Plan to use fresh food first then refrigerated and frozen foods. Use tinned and dry foods last
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Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
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How do you know if it is safe to eat? Once food reaches the temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or above for more than 2 hours it greatly increases the risk of growth by microorganisms that can cause illness. Do not use frozen food that has thawed or refrigerated food that has warmed up. The only exceptions to this are butter/margarine, hard cheeses, raw eggs (still in eggshells), fruit and vegetables. The rule of thumb is “if in doubt, throw it out”.
| Frozen meat and fish | Still contains ice crystals. Kept under 5 degrees C | Thawed, held above 5 degrees C for over 2 hours |
| Meat | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Chicken | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Casseroles, stews, soups, pizza, sausage rolls | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Fish or shellfish | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Frozen dairy products | Still contains ice crystals. Kept under 5 degrees C | Thawed, held above 5 degrees C for over 2 hours |
| Ice cream | Throw out | Throw out |
| Frozen yoghurt | Throw out | Throw out |
| Milk | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Frozen baked products | Still contains ice crystals. Kept under 5 degrees C | Thawed, held above 5 degrees C for over 2 hours |
| Bread | Refreeze or use | Throw out if above 10 degrees C for over 8 hours |
| Muffins and cakes (no custard filling) | Refreeze or use | Throw out if above 10 degrees C for over 8 hours |
| Cakes, pies, pastries with custard filling, cheesecake | Refreeze or immediately use | Throw out |
| Frozen fruit and vegetables | Still contains ice crystals. Kept under 5 degrees C | Thawed, held above 5 degrees C for over 2 hours |
| Fruit | Refreeze or use | Refreeze. Throw out if mould, yeasty smell or sliminess develops. |
| Vegetables | Refreeze or use | Throw out if above 10 degrees C for over 8 hours |
Plan for your pets
Pets are members of our families too so don't forget to prepare for them. Here are some tips to ensure you'll be able to look after your pets during an emergency.
- Arrange for a neighbour to check on your pets in case an emergency situation occurs when you are not home
- Keep pet tags up to date
- Consider having your pets micro chipped. This will make it easier to trace them if they go missing
- Include your pets in your emergency plan. Basic pet supplies to keep in your Getaway Kit should include leashes, food, and safe drinking water for at least 3 days.
- Blankets and a carry case for each animal with your contact details attached.