Residential fires are, unfortunately, a common incident, especially in the winter months. Whether the whole house has been affected or just a kitchen fire, people try to salvage what they can, including food. However, generally speaking, saving food that has been in a fire is not a good idea, because the USDA says it can be compromised by the heat of fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight fires.
Food in cans or jars may seem to be okay, but if they’ve been close to the heat of a fire, they may no longer be safe to eat. Heat from a fire can trigger food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can divide or rupture, making the food unsafe for consumption.
The USDA states that one of the most dangerous features of a fire can be toxic fumes released from burning materials. Those fumes can kill. They can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable packaging should be thrown away. Toxic fumes can infuse the packaging and contaminate the food. Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator that could be contaminated by fumes. Unexpectedly, food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn’t airtight and fumes can get inside. Discard food if exposed to smoke fumes from fire.
Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. The chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Foods that are exposed to chemicals should be thrown away. Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be disinfected. Wash in a strong detergent solution. Then dip in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for 15 minutes.
The American Red Cross recommends that you:
• Make your home fire-safe by installing battery-powered smoke detectors on each floor and in the garage. Test the detectors twice a year and keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Plan two emergency escape routes from each room in the house. Have rope or chain ladders for upstairs rooms. Agree on where to meet after the family escapes.
• Have your own practice fire drills. Instruct everyone to crawl low under smoke.
Fires can be devastating, especially this time of the year. Christmas lights, extra cooking, overheating homes, are many causes of fires. Being proactive by using extra caution, having smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers available may save lives.
Angela Frozen Strawberry Salad
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup nuts
1 carton of cool whip, thawed
1 package frozen strawberries, thawed
Mix all ingredients well. Freeze in 9×13 pan. Allow to thaw and cut in squares to serve. Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club.
