ST. LOUIS, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Researchers at Saint Louis University Medical Center suggest that the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is a good time to make a storm food plan.
Kathy Kress, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, says bad weather can cause electrical power outages, which can cause refrigerated and frozen foods to spoil.
Before a storm hits, Kress suggests taking a few precautions such as buying an appliance thermometer to ensure foods are kept at the proper temperature -- below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fill empty plastic milk jugs three-quarters with water and freeze. Use these home-made blocks of ice to keep the inside of a refrigerator at 40 degrees if the power goes out.
If the refrigerator temperature goes above 40 degrees, the food should be thrown away. Always plan to have a few days' dry and canned food on hand should there be a storm or power outage.
