Joni Kristenson, Cook County Public Health Nurse, wants us all to be warm and safe during these cold, brutal winter months.
This week, she offers some advice on food and safety.
Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies. If you live far from other people, have more supplies on hand. You should have drinking water, canned/no-cook food (bread, crackers, dried fruits), non-electric can opener, baby food and formula (if baby in the household), prescription drugs and other medicine, First-Aid kit, rock-salt to melt ice on walkways, supply of cat litter or bag of sand to add traction on walkways, flashlight and extra batteries. Avoid using candles, and if you must, never leave lit candles unattended. Instead, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
Eat and drink wisely! Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor.
When preparing food, never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors because the fumes are deadly.
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