dominica2day: Food: a major component needed to face a hurricane

Food: a major component needed to face a hurricane
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admin on 30 May, 2006 05:00:00
 
Depending on the type of disaster (hurricane), our local staples or ground
provisions should also form part of our meals. They should be consumed until
they become unavailable. However, keep in mind that ground provisions do not
contain as much energy and protein as cereal staples.
Another hurricane season is here! Don’t panic! In order to survive during and
after a storm or a hurricane we must prepare. To be prepared, we must plan.
Planning includes feeding our families and ourselves during and after a
disaster. One important aspect must be considered in the “feeding / planning
process:” All foods eaten must be able to provide energy.
The English speaking Caribbean Countries and Suriname have divided foods into
six groups. Three of the six food groups are given priority in “post disaster
feeding.” These are staples, food from animals and fats and oils. The staple
groups comprises of cereals, and roots and tubers. Roots and tubers are locally
called ground provisions. Foods from animals, fats and oils are usually best in
a concentrated form after a hurricane – for example canned meat, salt fish,
margarine and butter oil.
Depending on the type of disaster (hurricane), our local staples or ground
provisions should also form part of our meals. They should be consumed until
they become unavailable. However, keep in mind that ground provisions do not
contain as much energy and protein as cereal staples. They are also filled with
water and may make us feel full very quickly.
After a disaster (hurricane) the population is usually divided into specific
categories or groups for effective and efficient management. You and/or members
of your family may be categorized under “vulnerable groups.” In the nutrition
context it may mean that you are most likely to be among the first to suffer
from nutrient deficiencies. Children under the age of five, pregnant and
lactating women, the elderly and persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA’s) would be
categorized as “nutritionally vulnerable.” Special supplements (extra foods high
in protein and energy) must be given to these groups. However, the best foods
for infant 0-6 months is breast milk, and the best supplements for infants is
breast milk.
Depending on the length of a severe storm or hurricane, you may become hungry.
Stress can either increase or decrease appetite. If hunger occurs or to prevent
hunger once can eat a high energy chocolate bar, for example Oh Henry, Bounty,
Nestle Chocolate etc. If these are too expensive you can use foods like bread
with butter, jam, or peanut butter. Always have lots of water on hand. You may
also need to have one or two flasks with a hot drink especially if your family
comprises persons who may become “nutritionally vulnerable.”
Remember to buy and store the following basic foods before storm/hurricane
warnings.
Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables and legumes
Canned juice, milk, soups
Powdered milk Sugar, salt pepper
High energy food-peanut butter, jams, jellies, chocolate bars
Food for infants, elderly, or persons on special diet
Comfort or stress foods – sweetened cereals, cookies, biscuits, aerated
non-alcoholic drinks, candies etc. Jacqueline
Lancaster-Prevost Nutritionist