July 14, 2004 – As the territory moves into what historically has been the time of year when hurricanes are most likely to develop in the Caribbean, Human Services Commissioner Sedonie Halbert is advising the public to stock up on canned goods and dry foods, and to go easy on frozen grocery items.
A disaster could result in "a major power outage throughout the territory" for an indeterminate length of time, a release issued Wednesday by the Human Services Department states. Without power, refrigerators and freezers will be useless within a couple of days.
Halbert recommends stocking shelves at home with an extra supply of food for use in the event of a major power outage. And she reminded the public to keep an adequate supply of bottled drinking water on hand at all times.
The release notes that Human Services administers the federal program that provides onetime-food stamp support to families and individuals who suffer food supply losses due to a disaster.

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