Public Service AnnouncementFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMonday, November 17, 2008Contact: Media Consultant 721-7330 John Challis, ext 7239, or Kathy Dermott, ext 7216 Beware of food spoilage during power outage SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Some residents across the region have been affected by power failures due to the weekend snowfall. Where power has been off for four hours or more, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit advises that residents and businesses should plan to check their refrigerators and freezers to be sure that perishable food items have been kept cold. As power is gradually being restored, residents in the area may wish to take extra precautions to keep perishables such as meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs and leftovers at a safe temperature for the duration of the power outage. Most household refrigerators will maintain safe temperatures for foods for four to six hours as long as the door is kept closed. Ice bags and freezer packs can be used to help keep temperatures cooler for longer. Residents should also check that refrigerators and freezers resume normal operation when power is restored. Any perishable foods that increase to temperatures above 4° C (40 F) for more than two hours may become unsafe, and should be discarded. As well, those people who have private wells with private treatment systems for their drinking water should ensure their system is running properly once the power is restored. Before drinking the water, flush all lines letting the water run for two minutes. More detailed information about managing food and water during the power outage can be found in the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. - 30 - |