FLORIDA — Many people stock up on nonperishable items, batteries, bottled water and other supplies leading up to a hurricane or a natural disaster. But how long can you keep those items before they spoil?
1) Nonperishable items
WFTV did a little research and found soft grains such as barley, oats and rye can last as long as eight years. Hard grains, including corn, wheat and flax, can last 10-12 years, according to the Consumerist.
Beans and pastas can last up to 10 years. Of course, temperature, humidity and other factors can affect the food. Click here for more information.
2) Discard any food that has been in contact with flood water
3) Refrigerated food
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed if the electricity goes out to maintain the cold temperature. Food will remain cold about four hours if it is unopened. Throw out food if the refrigerator drops below 40 degrees because food could be contaminated.
4) Bottled water
Bottled water should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from the sun or other heat sources. However there is no shelf-life of bottled water unless the seal has been broken.
5) Generators
Generators should never be stored inside a home, garage, crawl space or other enclosed areas. Only use them outside.
Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector where the generator is running to pick up on any dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
6) Batteries
People always stock up on batteries in case they lose power. According to Energizer.com, depending on the battery size, the shelf-life can last anywhere from five to 20 years.
7) Sandbags
Should be thrown out if exposed to continued wetting and drying.
8) Downed power lines
Assume all power lines are energized and dangerous if on the ground. Do not touch them with any kind of object such as a stick or pole. Contact your utilities company to report the downed line.
9) Downed trees
Wear protective eye and ear protection if trimming your own trees or branches. Otherwise, contact a tree care professional for removal.
Cox Media Group
