September-October 2007

From: Total Backup Generation

Open Mouth, Insert Food

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In the wake of a hurricane, the ability to purchase food, ice, bottled water, and cleaning supplies at a local supermarket is a major aid to quick recovery. That’s why the commitment to total backup power generation by Milam’s Markets and Publix Super Markets Inc. represents a major community service as well as a sound business decision.

The lack of prompt access to such local resources delays the cleanup, as hurricane-battered residents spend valuable time and gasoline (which also may be hard to come by) driving around searching for ice and other needed commodities at some distance from their homes.

In 2005, then Gov. Jeb Bush—in a misguided effort to offer helpful advice—recommended that every Florida resident have on hand at least two weeks of nonrefrigerated foodstuffs.

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For many households, that could be a hardship, due to limited storage space and family finances. The governor’s comments prompted many people to ask how canned goods that require cooking could be prepared if they have an electric stove and the power is out.

Propane camp stoves and charcoal grills are clearly labeled for outdoor-only use, which may run afoul of some condominium associations’ rules and regulations that prohibit outdoor cooking on high-rise balconies, patios, and association-owned land surrounding individual dwellings.

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