Parts of Greater Sudbury, particularly in New Sudbury, are surveying the damage from last night’s punishing summer storm and working to clean up businesses and properties.
Greater Sudbury Hydro says it could be a couple of days before power is restored to those who lost electricity. There are about 3,400 customers affected, the utility says.
But while people are cleaning up their homes and properties, they might not be thinking about the impact the loss of electricity could have inside their homes.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts reminds residents that fridges and freezers will only keep food safe for so long without electricity.
Naturally, during a power outage, it's best to avoid opening refrigerators and freezers unless absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 48 hours, the health unit says, while a freezer that is half full will keep food frozen for about 24 hours.
An unopened refrigerator will only keep for cold for approximately four hours.
Carefully inspect all food items at higher risk of spoilage and don't consume any you think it might not be safe. Discard perishable foods that have been unrefrigerated for more than two hours and those with an unusual odour or texture. Keep in mind that food contaminated with bacteria might not look or smell spoiled — when in doubt, throw it out.
More tips:
- If available, add ice to the refrigerator to keep the food at a safe temperature if the power will be out for long periods of time.
- If you know that a power failure will last for a long period of time, see if you can take the food to a friend nearby who has power.
- Discard any thawed food that has been at room temperature for two or more hours, and any food that has an obvious unusual colour or odour. Keep in mind that food contaminated with bacteria does not necessarily smell bad or appear spoiled.
- Food that still contains ice crystals or feels refrigerator-cold can be re-frozen.
- If raw food has leaked during thawing, clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched. Do not reuse the cloths you have used for clean-up until they have been disinfected by washing in hot water.
For more information on what to do with your food during and after an emergency, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or call Public Health Sudbury and Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
