■ play it safe Dining in
the Dark Outages bring discomfort that shouldn’t include dysentery
BY GUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL
P
ower outages make for primitive living for awhile. If you’ve lost power and have a refrigerator full of food, you need to take immediate steps to make sure time and temperatures are on your side.
If your power is interrupted for two hours or less, losing perishable foods shouldn’t be a concern. During a prolonged outage such as the one we experienced on December 6, you’ll need to decide what food to save and when to throw it away.
A digital quick-response thermometer can be one of the most useful tools you can wield in your battle to preserve food. This gadget checks the internal temperature of food, so you will know if items are cold enough to eat safely.
If you’ve ever dined on something that sat on the countertop a little too long, you know the unpleasantries of foodborne illness. The following food
SAFETY REMINDER: Storm Debris Danger
Trees and limbs damaged by the December 6 ice storm could continue to break and fall, causing a safety hazard for property owners. Power outages can occur if these limbs drop onto a powerline or other electrical equipment.
If you are still assessing storm damage or removing debris from your property,
please use extreme caution. Be aware of powerlines at all times as you trim trees, move limbs, carry ladders or operate long-armed chainsaws.
If you spot a downed line or electrical hazard, stay away. Be sure pets and children stay clear of potential hazards.
Report the situation to Choctaw Electric immediately at 800-780-6486 or call 911.
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safety tips will help you minimize food loss and avoid getting sick.
Refrigerated Food •
Keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours.
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If food—especially meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers—has been exposed to temperatures above 40°F. for two or more hours, or has an unusual odor, texture, or color, get rid of it. Remember the golden rule of food safey: When in doubt, throw it out.
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Never taste food to determine its safety or rely solely on appearance or odor.
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During a power outage, use a food thermometer to make sure your refrigerated foods stay at an optimal 40°F. or below.
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Try to eat perishable foods first, then use your frozen food.
To keep perishable foods cold, place them in a cooler and cover with ice.
Frozen Food •
A full freezer stays colder longer. Keep jugs of frozen water in your freezer to help food stay cold during an outage. If your water supply runs out, use it as drinking water.
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Keep the freezer door closed. A full freezer should hold its temperature for approximately 48 hours; 24 hours if it’s half full.
If food in the freezer is colder than 40°F., is partially thawed, and has ice crystals on it, you can safely refreeze it.
Throw away any frozen or perishable food items that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
During an outage we experience true pioneer discomforts, but it shouldn’t include dysentery. Find more food safety tips at
www.FoodSafety.gov. ■
Guy Dale oversees co-op safety programs To contact him, please call 800-780-6486, ext. 227.
12 | february 2014
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