As a coastal city, Macau is threatened by a typhoon, which brings strong wind and torrential rain; consequently, it damages our infrastructures in varying degrees. Many incidents likely seawater back flow, flooding and power outage may occur. During a natural disaster, our water source and foodstuff are susceptible to contamination. After consumption, it can jeopardise our health and public safety.
In order to reduce the risks and hazards to food safety and public health in the aftermath of disaster, improve the independent capacities of food industry and residents for food safety and hygiene management as well as enhance the public’s awareness of disaster preparedness and relief, the Department of Food Safety in the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has compiled the “Handbook on Safety of Drinking Water and Food for Disaster Relief” (hereinafter referred to as “Handbook”) with photos and text description, which is highly practicable and operational. It is intended to teach the general public in many useful ways to effectively protect our personal safety and health during a disaster relief, and prevent the outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in our community. Moreover, the crucial contents in the “Handbook” are assembled in a promotional leaflet, “Guideline on Safety of Drinking Water and Food for Disaster Relief”. It provides clear and concise information about the related issues, and is convenient for the readers to grasp the key points for disaster preparedness and response in avoidance of danger.
Handbook and Guideline
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Furthermore, the Department of Food Safety has produced three educational short animations to elaborate the key points in the “Handbook”, that are “Drinking Water Safety”, “Food Safety” and “Clean-up, Disinfection and Recovery Works”.
Videos
Macao citizens should follow and master the principles of food safety and hygiene. Taking emergency measures are to ensure the public safety and health in the disaster phases of relief and recovery, as well as minimise the risk of large-scale food poisoning outbreak in our community.
To facilitate the public to better understand the critical points of food safety in the disaster preparedness and mitigation work, the Department of Food Safety has established a regular talk on “Education on Disaster Relief – Mitigation of Food and Water Safety Risks”. It targets at local primary and secondary schools, social service groups, community centres, elderly and childcare service institutions. It is welcomed for interested parties to make an appointment. Please contact Ms. Lam (Tel: 8296 1237) at the Division of Risk Communication under the Department of Food Safety during office hours.
