If you normally use an electric stove, it is a good idea to have a coal stove just in case power stays off for several days. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

The lavish preparations made for the passage of a hurricane, usually mean having a lot of food that will either go bad quickly or items that would not normally be found in our cupboards.

In the days immediately following a power outage, meats and other perishables must either go to waste or be consumed in a hurry. On the other hand, canned or dry package foods can be monotonous to eat. The trick is to find creative ways to prepare both groups of food while enduring the lack of basic amenities.

Food went on the road and found many fallen trees with green or ripe fruits lying on the ground. Since prices will go through the roof in a matter of days, how about using some of these foods to make preserves and dishes that can last longer than a day? Try some of the recipes and bear these tips in mind.

Tips to bear in mind

1. You can boil and flake saltfish and use it for fritters, salads or seasoned rice later.

2. Use green mangoes in chutneys, jams and cakes.

3. Dried coconuts that have fallen from the trees can become drops, gizzardas and cooking oil.

4. Food in the freezer will remain firm for up to four days if you do not open the door more than twice per day.

5. If you normally use an electric stove, it is a good idea to keep a two-burner gas stove, a coal pot with a bag of coal or a camping gas stove for emergencies such as a hurricane.

6. A roasted breadfruit, escoveitch fish, bammy, bread and crackers can last for a day or more outside the refrigerator.

Persons who lost their refrigerators, such as this Old Harbour Bay family, will have to find creative ways to cook perishable items. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer