APPENDIX | Policy: Emergency Food Service During a Disaster 421
f. All individuals except those with very restricted diets will be served the regular menu.
g. An emergency food inventory will be maintained to serve the first emergency meals and continue the dietary operation without interruption. Staff will draw on the reserve supplies until alternate foods and supplies become available.
h. Disposable dishes, cups, and silverware will be used. i. Sufficient amounts of all emergency items are to be kept on hand at all times. j. The emergency menu plan uses perishables from the freezer and refrigerator that have remained at 40 °F or below and require no cooking or heating during the first 24 hours.
k. If gas is available and it is safe to turn on equipment, then the daily menu and not the emergency menu should be used, if possible. If cooking facilities cannot be used for whatever reason, then the planned emergency menu and stored emergency foods must be used.
l. Wherever food is stored, arrangements must be made so that staff can access it in case of an emergency. The food storage facilities should be secured, and food should be stored off the ground to prevent contamination or destruction. m. The menu may be changed according to the type and degree of emergency.