Hurricane Dorian food prep: Eating in and eating out before, during and after the storm
That's one of the storm-preparation tips I've learned in 30 years as a
There are three stages to every storm: the waiting, the hunkering and the aftermath. You'll need sustenance along the way. With Hurricane Dorian taking aim at the
Before the storm
Whether this is your first hurricane brush or you've been here since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, take a deep breath and don't freak out. Take walks and sip some tea, wine, beer or other calming beverage. Don't watch too much TV storm coverage. But stay informed about the storm's progression, projected path and strength. Now is the time to get prepared and be vigilant.
Crowds will mass for water, batteries and other supplies at supermarkets and wholesale stores. For water and canned goods and snacks, try other stores with provisions such as convenience stores, drugstores and liquor stores. Get cash, because many restaurants and supermarkets may not have credit-card or other electronic/computer payment methods fully functional after a big storm, even if they have emergency generators providing power.
Most restaurants and bars will remain open as long as possible before a storm, and going out in the days before the storm hits is wise for stress relief and sanity, because you may be cooped up inside for 1-2 days during the storm. Restaurants may offer some impromptu food and drink specials to get rid of inventory -- particularly perishable seafood and meat items.
"We are monitoring the storm path and will make the call [about closings] when the path of the storm is more certain about where landfall may be," says
When hurricane warnings are posted, meaning hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours, most restaurants and bars will close. Exceptions may be restaurants in large hotels, where tourists and other evacuees stay. Some will tempt fate and stay open and hold hurricane parties, but this is not wise for employees or patrons who may get trapped when emergency responders announce they will no longer go out on the roads.
If you live in an evacuation zone and get the order to leave, pack your essentials (clothes, important documents, passport, medications) and bring a cooler with some ice and water, but don't sweat all the stuff in the freezer and fridge. If the power goes out, you may have to toss it all when you return home. But that's small potatoes in the grand scheme of a major hurricane threat. Food losses may be covered by insurance or tax-deductible.
Gas grills come in handy after a storm, but make sure to remove and safely store your filled propane tanks beforehand. Do not bring propane tanks inside, but store them in a sturdy shed or brace them against a fence or wall where they will be shielded from high winds and won't turn into a projectile.
If you do stay home, make sure your household has plenty of bottled water, ice, canned goods, nonperishable items, a large cooler (or three) and a manual can opener. Then, get ready to binge on some comfort/junk food in hunker-down mode.
During the storm
Yes, it's tempting to drink beer or other libations to soothe the nerves, but you also have to keep your wits about you. Try to maintain a normal eating schedule. Watch TV or stay informed about the storm's path on SunSentinel.com and official social media accounts.
If the power goes out, use a battery-powered radio to stay informed. Use battery-powered lamps, flashlights and smartphones for light, not candles. Do not frequently open the refrigerator or freezer. Perishable food should remain cold and safe for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator, 24-48 hours in the freezer. Hunker down and stay inside until the storm fully passes.
After the storm
When you do go outside, be careful for downed limbs and power lines. If power is out, a gas grill can be your primary cooking source. Reattach the propane tank. Start using up food in the freezer and fridge. After 24 hours, start transferring food and ice to coolers. Welcome to your new refrigerator.
Driving may be hazardous and traffic signals will likely be out. Approach every intersection as a four-way stop. Don't count on restaurants or supermarkets being open in the immediate aftermath. Even those stores that have backup generators to keep refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling (such as
When they do reopen, be prepared to use cash. Although stores and eateries may have power, credit-card and virtual cash transactions may be scuttled because of computer, internet and phone signal issues.
Restaurants will try to reopen as soon as they have power, running water and staff. Those that can't reopen are often community-minded and will start donating or cooking food before it spoils, often at impromptu cookouts in conjunction with local agencies. Cookouts for residents, first-responders and FPL repair crews were a frequent sight after Irma in 2017 and Wilma in 2005.
If damage is severe and things get really bad, the
If prolonged power outages occur, some
Another tip: Restaurants that are on power grids shared with hospitals, police, governmental buildings and other "critical infrastructure," may get power restored more quickly and may reopen first.
Fingers crossed, everyone.
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