NEHA Hurricane Response Guide

Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals

You can use a crushed ice bath to calibrate. The thermometer should read 32°F in an ice bath. Use a wrench to adjust the nut on the back of the thermometer to adjust the temperature. Electronic devices can also be calibrated. Food Safety Assessment Supplies ƒ Approved food temperature measurement devices: ƒ Bayonet-type thermometer: simple, basic, and low-cost ƒ Thermistor: slightly more expensive; requires batteries ƒ Thermocouple: most accurate, some have storage capacity ƒ Infrared thermometer: can be expensive; suitable for quick surface temperature readings, but has limitations ƒ Approved alcohol swabs ƒ Sanitizer test strips ƒ The three primary chemical types are chlorine (most common), quaternary ammonia, and iodine. ƒ At minimum, carry chlorine and quaternary test strips. Quaternary ammonia test strips should be matched with the correct generation of quaternary ammonia sanitizer that is being used. ƒ Temperature strips ƒ Flashlight ƒ GPS ƒ Disposable gloves ƒ Hand washing reminder signs ƒ Permit modification forms ƒ Closure signs ƒ Camera ƒ Paper, tape, and markers Retail Food Facilities After a hurricane, food safety at retail food facilities can be compromised. When environmental public health (EPH) professionals arrive on-site, they should assess the following elements: ƒ Building/electrical safety ƒ Water supply ƒ Waste disposal ƒ Food waste disposal

ƒ Food salvage ƒ Vermin control ƒ Cleanup ƒ Refrigeration ƒ Food/provision resupply ƒ Ice machines ƒ Beverage systems

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