Is Your Pantry Stocked for a Natural Disaster?

Hurricane Sandy is already making an impact on the East Coast, and being prepared for a storm as large as this one is crucial. Even if you think you're well prepared for a natural disaster, it may be best to take stock of your food supplies.

Below are some preparations you can take recommended by the USDA, to ensure the food you have stockpiled is safe for consumption. Do you think you're prepared for a natural disaster?

1) Use an appliance thermometer in the fridge and freezer to help determine if food is safe for consumption in the event of a power outage.

2) The temperature for the fridge should be at 40 degrees or lower and the freezer at 0 degrees or lower.

3) Grouping together your food in the freezer will help the food stay colder longer.

4) Consider freezing leftover items that you won't need immediately, such as deli meats and milk. This will help keep these items at a safer temperature longer.

5) Have ice in the freezer in case the power goes out. A cooler with ice will allow you to prolong the life of your food. If you don't have a cooler, you can also use the ice to keep the refrigerator cool.

6) Fill containers with water and store in the freezer. Not only can this help keep the freezer cooler longer, but it can also serve as a back-up water supply.
For pantry items, store all food on higher shelves in case of flooding.

7) As the storm approaches, turn down the temperature of the fridge and freezer to the max to make it as cold as possible. Don't forget to turn it back once the threat passes.

8) If the power goes out, open the fridge and freezer as little as possible. Opening the doors allows the cool air to escape. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer will keep cool for 48 hours and a half full freezer will keep cool for 24 hours.