What item typically does not need to be discarded after a flood?

Food in glass jars is generally considered safe to keep after a flood if the jars are intact and have not been compromised. The sealing of glass jars can protect the contents from contaminants, provided that the jars remain sealed and have not been submerged in water that may introduce pathogens. It's essential to thoroughly clean and sanitize the outside of the jars before opening them to avoid any contamination that may have occurred from floodwaters.

In contrast, meat products, dairy products, and produce are more susceptible to contamination and spoilage when exposed to floodwaters. Meat and dairy can harbor pathogens that can thrive in such conditions, and produce can become contaminated with bacteria or chemicals from floodwater. As a result, these food items typically need to be discarded to ensure health and safety after a flood event.