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After the hurricane

Ration food supply wisely

Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 31, 1998

Healthy people can survive on half their usual food for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

Nutrition tips

Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (2 quarts a day)

Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.

Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements to assure adequate nutrition.

If the electricity goes off

To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning the foods are safe to eat) for at least three days

Use non-perishable foods and staples last.

For emergency cooking, you can use a fireplace, charcoal grill or camp stove outdoors only. You also can heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first.