With the mass power outages following the recent storms, Huron Perth Public Health is reminding people to take extra care when it comes to food and drinking water.
Power outages can cause refrigerators and freezers to stop working, putting food at unsafe temperatures. HPPH says people should keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours.
Perishable foods, including meat, dairy products, eggs, leftovers, and cut fruits and vegetables, should be thrown out if they have been above 4 C for two hours or more. Frozen food that still has ice crystals can be safely refrozen.
HPPH is also reminding people not to taste food to check if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
People who use private wells should use bottled water or boil their water for at least one minute until their water treatment systems are working properly again. Once the power returns, residents should run their water for about five minutes and have their well water tested as soon as possible.
Businesses that cannot safely operate without power are also being reminded to remain closed until power is restored and it is safe to reopen.
