Survival After an Emergency

Food Safety

After an emergency :

• Use the food in your fridge first.
• Use the contents of the freezer second.
• Use tinned and dried food last of all.
• Avoid opening your freezer door unnecessarily to prolong defrosting.
• Use defrosted food and fresh milk within 2 days.
• Do not eat food contaminated with glass, dirt, chemicals or sewage.
• Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded.
• Do not eat shellfish from the harbour after an earthquake or flood.
• Protect food from heat, dirt, insects, pests and pets.
• Discard food which is smelly, slimy, mouldy or discoloured.
• Do not use any tinned food with split or swollen seams.
• Cover pots to conserve fuel and cook food thoroughly.
• Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
• Wash dishes immediately after eating and keep clean ones covered.

 

Refuse

After an emergency:

• Do not incinerate refuse because of the fire risk.
• If possible, bury refuse in your garden, away from streams.
• Cover each refuse layer with enough soil to prevent animals scavenging.
• Reduce the bulk by sorting organic from inorganic and flattening items.
• Add lime or disinfectant to reduce odours, and mark all sites.
• If rubbish cannot be buried, store for collection.
• Compost all organic refuse if possible or store in sealed containers.
• Store all refuse where animals cannot access it.
• Report any refuse contaminated by hazardous waste to Civil Defence.

 

Sewage

After an emergency:

• Do not use the toilet after an earthquake - sewerage pipes may be broken.
• Use one of the following makeshift toilets until advised by authorities.
• Secure a strong plastic bag inside your toilet and use to collect sewage.
• Tie the bag securely after several uses and store for disposal.
• Secure a strong plastic bag around a bucket and use to collect sewage.
• Dig a deep pit 20 metres from your home and screen if possible.
• Cover sewage with soil after each use.
• Use garden lime or disinfectant to reduce odours, and mark all sites.
• Keep a bucket for handwashing water and change regularly.

 

Disease Control

After an emergency:

• Try to keep as clean as possible.
• Keep children and pets away from rubbish and debris.
• Wear gloves when handling refuse and disposing of sewage.
• Watch for rats, mice and cockroaches.
• Protect your pets from rodents as much as possible.
• Seal all rubbish securely.
• Clean up all spillages of food and rubbish immediately.
• Keep toilets covered.
• Use insecticides on likely breeding places.
• Be aware that infants, children and the elderly are most at risk.

 

Pet Care

After an emergency:

• Secure your pets to prevent them straying.
• Collect their litter and dispose of as for sewage.
• Protect your pet from contact with strays.
• Do not try to catch stray animals yourself - contact the SPCA if possible.
• Watch your pets for signs of infections.
• Remember, dogs will still need regular exercise.