The following recommendations are submitted as guidelines for all permitted food establishments if
and when the need arises.

If these recommendations are followed in the event of a disaster, associated problems will be easier
to handle and time spent closed should be kept to a minimum.

 HURRICANES

• Prior to Hurricane:
• Move all items to the highest shelves available to avoid rising water.
 
• Covering of food items in display cases with plastic or other water-resistant material should be considered.
 
• Cover, remove or otherwise protect perishable foods in open refrigerators and freezers to maintain proper temperatures. Some perishable food in open freezers and open or closed cooling units may be placed in closed freezers or other containers that will maintain a safe temperature (45° F or below) during power outage.
 
• Windows should be covered by storm blinds or other means whenever possible.
 
• Check thermometers in all refrigeration units.
• Automatic registering thermometers are recommended in large cooling and         freezing units to verify temperatures during power outages.
• Thermometers should be the type where the reading or registering element is on  the outside of the refrigeration unit.
• A metal stem thermometer such as a Taylor Bi-Therm Dial – Model 6072-1 or   equivalent is required to check the food temperatures.
 
• Check portable generators, if employed, for proper operations, fuel supply and   equipment hook-up.

• During Hurricanes: (If anyone remains on premises)
• If power outage occurs, note the time of power failure and the time when power is restored.
 
• If portable generators are to be employed, start generators when power outage occurs.
 
• Check refrigeration equipment temperatures at least once each hour. Keep accurate records of temperature in each unit.
 
• Keep cooling and freezing unit doors closed to maintain temperatures when power outage occurs.
 
• After Hurricanes:
• Return to premises as soon as possible.
 
• If no storm damage has occurred, operations may continue as normal.
 
• If storm damage has occurred, (power outage, rising water, equipment failure, roof damage, etc.) notify the health department. Do Not Open Without Health District Approval. Proceed to next step.
 
• Start clean-up:
• Consult with your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Inventory all damaged, contaminated or spoiled foods and drugs.
• Move all damaged, contaminated or spoiled foods and drugs to a designated area. (Do not place foods or drugs outside unless protected from scavenging.)
• Clean all contaminated shelves, surfaces and equipment with soap and water before disinfecting.
 
• To disinfect floor, and walls use Pine-O-Pine, Lysol, etc. Follow instructions on label.
• To disinfect shelves, counter tops, and all food contact surfaces use a chlorine solution of 50+ ppm. Use chlorine test paper to check strength of solution.
 
• Wash, rinse and sanitize all utensils.
• Do not restock shelves or storage rooms until inspected by Health District.
• Do not remove any foods, drinks or drugs from premises until directed by the Health District.
• Make arrangements for immediate removal of condemned foods and drugs from the premises to the landfill when released by the Health District.
• Keep all landfill receipts as verification of disposal of goods.
• Potentially hazardous foods in cooling and freezing units must be discarded when temperatures rise above 45° F.
• Thawed foods may not be refrozen if temperatures rise above 45° F.
• Water supply must be tested and approved as potable by the Health District.

• Before Floods:

• If flood warning is given, generally follow recommendations listed in: Prior To Hurricanes.

• During Floods: (If anyone remains on premises)
• If necessary move all items to highest shelves available to avoid rising water.
 
• If refrigeration equipment has been disconnected to protect electrical parts (motors, etc.) from rising water call an electrician or refrigeration expert before reconnection.
 
• Generally follow recommendations listed in: During Hurricanes.

• After Floods:

 
• If flood damage has occurred (power outage, rising water, equipment failure, etc.)
• Do not remove or allow to be removed any damaged or contaminated foods, drinks or drugs without Health District approval.
• Generally follow recommendations listed in: After Hurricanes.

FIRE, EXPLOSION, LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE, SEWAGE BACKUP, ETC.

• Consult your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Contact the Health District immediately.
• Do not remove or allow to be removed any damaged or contaminated foods, drinks or drugs without Health District approval.
• Cease operations immediately. Do not reopen without Health District approval.

Questions concerning these recommendations or other Health District laws or policies
should be directed to the Environmental and Consumer Health Division at (409) 938-2411.