How to Preserve Food and Water During a Blackout: Tips from the State Food Inspection.

According to ТСН: In a situation with a prolonged power outage, numerous issues arise, including darkness and the question of how to store food and water. The lack of proper refrigeration in stores and at home can lead to rapid spoilage of food, which in turn can result in severe poisoning. Experts from the state food inspection emphasize the importance of following basic safety rules during times of energy instability.

How to Protect Yourself from Low-Quality Food in Stores

One of the main problems during power outages is the violation of the temperature regime under which food should be stored from production to consumption. If stores do not have backup power sources, products in refrigerators spoil faster.

Experts advise buyers to pay attention to several important aspects.

• First, be sure to check the temperature sensors that are usually found in the display cases. If the screen is not lit or the numbers exceed the norm, it is a sign that the refrigerator is not working, and you should not buy anything from that place.

• Second, pay close attention to frozen products such as dumplings, meat, or vegetable mixes. They should be hard as a rock. If the product is soft or there is a lot of ice in the packaging, it means it has thawed. Refreezing such products is dangerous as it can lead to potential bacterial growth.

• Third, trust your senses. Check the smell, color, and consistency before preparation. Any changes in appearance, stickiness, or unusual odor are signs of deteriorating food quality, which should be discarded.

Store Water: Volume and Labeling

Experts point out that water supply often stops during a power outage due to the shutdown of pumping stations. Therefore, it is important to think in advance about having an autonomous supply. It's essential not only to fill the bathtub with water but also to organize its storage for safe use properly.

• First, calculate the volume of the supply for each family member so that the water lasts for at least 2-3 days. For drinking and cooking, it's best to use mineral or purified water and store it in clean containers in a dark, cool place. Sunlight and heat can promote rapid bacterial growth in open containers.

• It's necessary to separate and label the supplies according to purpose. Stick labels on the bottles or label them with a marker to differentiate drinking water from technical water, which is intended for hygiene or dishwashing. Technical water can be stored in large open containers, while drinking water should only be in closed bottles.

This approach helps avoid accidental ingestion of dangerous liquids and use the resources rationally during a blackout.

Preparing Your Household for Extended Blackouts

To prepare your home for prolonged power outages, start with the refrigerator. With proper preparation, the shelf life of food can be significantly extended.

• First, take stock of what’s on the shelves. If you know that the power will be turned off soon, try to consume perishable foods: opened canned goods, yogurt, cheese, and ready-made meals. The fewer such products left in the refrigerator, the less you will have to throw away.

• It’s very important to fill the freezer as much as possible. The more frozen foods there are, the slower they thaw and maintain the low temperature due to the 'thermos' principle.

• If there are empty spots in your freezer, fill them with plastic bottles of water. After freezing, they become cold accumulators, helping to maintain the temperature.

• Also, try to open the refrigerator door as rarely as possible. Each time you check, warm air enters, raising the temperature. Closed chambers keep the cold longer.

If you follow these recommendations, you can minimize health risks and ensure the necessary level of comfort even without electricity and water.

During times of energy instability, especially during blackouts, it is important to have a clear understanding of methods for storing food and water. This not only helps prevent potential poisonings but also increases overall comfort in the family’s daily life. Planning and preparation allow you to adapt better to the challenges that may arise in such situations.