Gloria Van Treese, Bureau ChiefFlorida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
Food Distribution Bureau
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:
• Have a disaster preparedness plan in place. Write it now. Don’t wait until disaster hits to “try to figure it out”.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:
• Review and test the plan regularly.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:
• Make contact with appropriate staff at local disaster relief organizations.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:• Develop contact list – current
emergency numbers, including cell phone numbers – who to contact and when. Verify numbers regularly for accuracy.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:• Have a contingency plan in the
event phones are down, busy or unavailable.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:• Consider dietary “special
needs”.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:• Encourage staff to develop a
personal disaster plan and don’t forget a plan for the pets.
Prior to an Event – Planning Is Essential
Schools should:• Consider designating area for
sheltering staff’s families. Staff is more willing to help and is calmer if they’re not worried about their loved ones’ health and safety.
Plan Ahead• Maintain stock of 3-5 days
worth of non-perishable commodities.
• Check and rotate stock at least once a year.
Plan Ahead• Maintain a supply of non-food
items: paper goods, disposable plates, flatware, cups, etc.
• Determine staffing needs, job duties.
Plan Ahead• Train staff and backups.• Assign job duties.
Preparation is Essential• Plan menus, alternatives;
include special needs.• Determine equipment needs,
backups alternatives in case of power failure.
Preparation is Essential• Maintain sufficient quantity of
cleaning supplies, gloves, garbage bags, etc. on hand.
• Determine who has keys to building, doors, etc.
Preparation is Essential• Assign responsibility for taking
and monitoring food inventories - initial, during and after the event.
• Practice, Practice, Practice
Be Prepared to Answer:• Who can access and disable
any security system?• Where are the keys to the
storage rooms, freezers, refrigerators?
Be Prepared to Answer:• Where are the flashlights and
extra batteries?• Who are your local water and
ice vendors? Ascertain availability, delivery times.
Be Prepared to Answer:• How will trash be handled?
Additional pick ups?• How will food supplies be
replenished?• Is there a portable generator?
Be Prepared to Answer:• Where is the main power
switch, fuse or breaker box?• Where is the gas supply
source? Servicing? • Is there a sufficient amount of
coffee and tea available?
After the Event:• Review procedures• Analyze response• What went right? What
worked?• What went wrong – need to
adjust, revise, or change?
After the Event:• Start getting ready for “the next
time”• And continue practicing
How Does it Work?• Federal regulations- 7CFR250.43
provides food assistance in situations of disaster.
• USDA commodities are released to disaster relief organizations for congregate feeding of persons impacted by disaster.
Where’s the Food?• Schools’ storerooms and
kitchens• School-owned or contracted
warehouses• State-owned or contracted
warehouses
Schools’ Responsibility• As part of agreement with State
commodity distribution agency, schools agree to release commodities for feeding during times of disaster.
Schools’ Responsibility• USDA commodities may be
used for mass feeding at traditional and non-traditional shelters, feeding sites, comfort stations, etc.
School Food Service Professionals
• Responsible for their kitchens, equipment, food supplies, etc.
• Have knowledge and experience with proper use of the equipment.
• Ensure proper handling of food to prevent food borne illnesses.
School Food Service Professionals
• Comply with federal, state, and local food safety regulations.
• Assist and guide inexperienced volunteers to prevent injuries.
School Food Service Professionals
• In advance, identify who is responsible for shelter management; for example, American Red Cross, County Emergency Operations, etc.
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