WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday released information on how to keep food, medical products, and pets safe during an emergency, especially during the current hurricane season.

By knowing what actions to take, you can reduce the effects of hurricanes or other disasters. Food that has been exposed to flood waters or that hasn’t been properly refrigerated can cause illness, so if in doubt, the FDA recommends throwing it out and not eating any food exposed to flood water.

Bottled water is always recommended, but if it is unavailable, boiling water for one minute should make the water safe to drink. If there is not access to this procedure, you can filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection with bleach if the water is cloudy. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before you use it.

If you are in an area that may flood, and are on mediation, make sure to keep the medication containers in zip-closed plastic bags, and store them in a place less likely to flood. It is also important to list the name of the medicine, the medicated dose, how frequently you take the medicine, your doctor’s name and phone number, take the bags and medications with you if you must evacuate, and if a medication container falls into flood water, replace the medication.

If replacing medicines is not easy, use them until they can be replaced, but if any pills were touched by flood water, do not take them.

Hurricanes are a dangerous situation for people and pets. Try to take your pets with you if you leave home during an emergency, but plan in advance, and find out which motels or hotels accept pets in an emergency. Or, plan to go to the home of a friend or relative who will allow you to bring your pet.

A disaster kit for your pet should include food, medicines, vaccination records, and pet insurance information. Make sure your pets have identification tags (including rabies and license tags, if applicable.) Identification tags should also provide the pet owner’s name, home address, a phone number, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster or evacuation. Also, prepare a leash, collar, or harness for your pets (cats and dogs) and pet carriers or transport kennels or cages for each pet.

For complete and detailed information regarding preparedness for hurricanes, including medical equipment, vaccines, and other biologics, contact the FDA or visit their website.

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