BE PREPARED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 12, 4 February 1942, Page 6

BE PREPARED

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

FOOD FOR THE FAMILY

Women, especially wives ana mothers, whose duties are largely concerned with their households, are those most likely to feel the brunt should a case of emergency disrupt the gas, electricity or w 7 ater services in homes. As the organisers of domestic routine and, in nearly every case, the person responsible for planning and preparing meals, other members of the family would look to them for a lead in meeting these difficulties.

No doubt many women have a campaign of action already prepared which would greatly help to prevent confusion and discomfort" in the event of a major emergency caused by earthquake or enemy action. Food For Family A woman's first thoughts at such a time would probably be concerned with how to provide food to sustain her family. One way in which all women ma\ r be prepared would be to bake supplies of wholesome biscuits containing such fortifying ingredients as wholemeal, dates and nuts, and pack them in airtight tins. Tins of soup which are easily prepared, jars of meat or vegetable extract, cocoa and tinned milk for warm drinks should be kept handy. Suitable vessels for holding boiled water with gauze covers for each are a necessity. Large bedroom jugs, crocks, or even buckets should be kept in mind. Prevent Infection By the exercise of absolute cleanliness for themselves and their families women would be doing much to prevent the spread of infection. Children are apt to rummage about in all kinds of places and even the most vigilant parent cannot keep them away from dirt and therefore possible danger of infection. The importance of washing the hands thoroughly before touching any food should be stressed constantly. If clothes cannot be washed as frequently as one would like they can always be brushed, shaken, and hung in the sunshine. The sun's rays as a destroyer of germs would also be the housewife's great ally for airing all bedding and linen. By seeing that their children did net scatter scraps of food fruit skins or apple cores, but placed them in a covered receptacle or brought them to be burned, many mothers could save themselves much cleaning up, not 011I3' in times of emergency, .but in their normal daily routine that would also help toward a cleaner town.