Food Exposed to Flood, Fire or Storm

Special Handling of food exposed to: Flood waters...Discard all food that came in contact with flood waters -- it is impossible to know if canned goods and other containers were damaged and the seal compromised. Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers. There is no way to safely clean them if they have come in contact with contaminated flood waters. Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils with hot soapy water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach per quart of water. Consider all water from wells, cisterns, and other delivery systems in the disaster area unsafe until tested. Keep a 3-day supply of water or a minimum of 3 gallons of water per person. Snowstorms and power outages... Rather than putting the food outside in snow banks, use the outside cold temperatures to make ice. Fill buckets, empty milk cartons or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Then put the homemade ice in your refrigerator, freezer, or coolers. Food is safer inside, protected from animals and from fluctuations in temperature and direct sunlight that promote bacteria. Fires...Food exposed to fire can be damaged by the heat of the fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight the fire. Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria even if cans or jars appear untouched. Toxic fumes released from burning materials will contaminate shelf foods packaged in cardboard, plastic wrap, screw-topped jars, bottles. Even the refrigerator's door seal isn't airtight and fumes can get inside. Fire-fighting chemicals will also contaminate food and cookware. Those chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Wash cookware in soap and hot water, then submerge for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach per quart of water. Source: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA website

Never taste food to determine its safety! You cannot rely on appearance or odor.

If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze. Partial thawing or refreezing may reduce the quality of some food, but the food will remain safe to eat.

When the power goes back on, if the refrigerator is still 40 ºF, the food is safe.

It's not necessary to cook raw foods before refreezing.  Discard foods warmer than 40° F for 2 hours.

Safe Food Supplies to keep handy:
Items that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on the outdoor grill.
Shelf-stable food, boxed or canned milk, water, and canned goods. Don't forget a manual can opener,
ready-to-use infant baby formula and pet food.
Remember to use these items and replace them from time to time.
(reading food dating codes - USDA website)

If food has spoiled in a refrigerator – such as during a power outage – and odors from the food remain, they can be difficult to remove.
The following procedures may have to be repeated:

• Wipe inside of unit with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid which destroys mildew.
• Wash inside of unit with a solution of baking soda and water. Be sure to scrub the gaskets, shelves, sides, and door. Allow to air out several days.
• Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in the bottom of the unit, or place them in an open container.
• Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside freezer. Close door for 24 hours. Check for odors.
  Stuff unit with rolled newspapers. Close the door and leave for several days. Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water.

After a power outage...
General Rule: As long as the power has been out
less than 2 hours, all foods will be safe.

First, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator.

Then use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers.

You will have to evaluate each item separately.
Freezer and Refrigerator Chart of Foods lists specific foods.

Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.