The flood gates have opened on the Missouri and Platte rivers, so to speak, and we know the waters are coming. USDA is talking about it, UNL is sharing insight, but for now, it’s a “hurry up and wait” game.
However, taking steps before and after a flood is imperative for proper food safety and your health. Without electricity, the food inside your fridge or freezer can become unsafe. And, if you eat the food, you get sick.
Here are the USDA’s recommended steps to help prepare for a possible flooding emergency and what to do after flooding.
University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources recommends that if you have to leave your home, you should store essential needs such as non-perishable food and water in an easily accessible and portable disaster supply kit. Remember to include medicine or food for those with medical conditions, such as diabetes.
And remember, healthy adults need at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. In hot environments (like we’ve been having in Nebraska), that need may increase to two gallons of drinking water per person per day.
For more about farmers and agricultural news, visit www.nefb.org.
