Power Outage Important Information

Day Two Update September 16, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

Dave Covell, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, (216) 201-2000 x1214, Matt Carroll, Cleveland Dept of Public Health (216) 857-5099, Frank Novak, Shaker Heights Department of Health (216) 491-1482

September 15, 2008

The Northeast Ohio Public Health Collaborative Urges Caution With Use of Perishable Foods and Electric Powered Medical Devices After Extended Power Outages

When in doubt throw it out!  Your health is important.

Electric utility service in many area of Cuyahoga County has been interrupted for an extended period of time because of downed power lines.  Crews are working to restore service, however, many areas may take longer to and consumers should be aware of food safety concerns.

If power is restored within 48 hours of an outage, there should be no significant problems with foods that were completely frozen prior to the outage.

Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unless absolutely necessary. A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours.  A full freezer will hold food safely for up to 48 hours.

Dry ice: if you know that your power will be out for an extended period of time, fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18 foot cubic foot freezer at the proper temperature for 2 days.  Contact a dry ice distributor in your area for service.

Throw away the following foods if they are kept at temperatures of more than 40 degrees for more than two hours : raw or uncooked meat, poultry, seafood, milk, cream, yogurt, soft cheeses, fresh eggs, meat topped pizza and lunch meat, casseroles, stews or soups, cream filled pastries, mayonnaise and tarter sauce.  Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it.

Your local health departments are proactively assessing the status of power in area restaurants and advising operators.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

If you have any doubts about your foods throw them out.  If you have any concerns about an area vendor that sells food or other concerns, please contact your local health department for more information at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at (216) 201-2001, the Cleveland Department of Public Health at (216) 664-2300, and the Shaker Heights Health Department at (216) 491-1482.               

We also urge caution about the use of portable generators and other power equipment.  Such equipment should only be used in well ventilated areas, ideally outdoors.  The same is true for camp stoves and charcoals grills.

Portable Generators - Combustible engines produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can rapidly build up indoors before individuals are aware they are being exposed.

Electric Powered Medical Devices - Most individuals on ventilators have back up generators and batteries.  If you have a electric powered medical device, please be sure to maintain a back up plan to relocate if needed.   If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 for assistance.