Persons Urged to Be Careful When Storing Food and Water

As the island enters the emergency period for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl, there is a call for persons to be very careful how they store food and water, as serious contamination can follow heavy rains.

According to Director of Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Simone Spence, food should not be stored with chemicals, and tinned items should not be damaged or dented, and care must be taken that “we are storing our food in dry and cool places.”

“Make sure that foods are contained in tightly sealed containers, and if we are to evacuate, make sure that we have canned and dry goods. Make sure that water is stored in clean covered containers, with tightly fitted lids,” she told JIS News during an interview, today (July 3).

Dr. Spence underscored that containers that were previously used for chemical storage should in no way be used for the storage of potable water or for bathing, washing of dishes and clothes.

“No matter how we say we have cleaned or sanitised these containers, there might be some chemical residue remaining. Make sure that the containers are clean for storing potable water,” she urged.

The Ministry is also advising that after heavy rainfall and flooding, water may become contaminated, and to prevent diseases and maintain good health, it is important to treat water with household bleach or by boiling.

For one litre of water (one quart), two drops of bleach should be added, mix well, and leave for 30 minutes.

For 20 litres of water (five gallons), add half teaspoon of bleach; for 170 litres of water (45 gallons), add 4 ½ teaspoons of bleach, mix well, and leave for 30 minutes.

Dr. Spence said for boiling, allow the water to “boil up” for at least one minute before removing from the fire; cover and let cool.

Persons with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma are reminded to have an adequate supply of medication.

If they have to evacuate their homes, they must ensure that they take their medications with them to their place of shelter, and they should continue to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor, while away from home.