Food Safety in an Emergency
Safe food-handling is an important part of everyday life, but is especially important in emergency situations such as a flood, tornado, fire, water interruption or power outage.
Be sure to carefully inspect all food items and do not serve any food you think may not be safe. Spoiled food may not look contaminated. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
Printable versions of Ohio Department of Health fact sheets and links can be found below.
Fire in a Food Facility
A fire within a food service operation may affect the operation’s ability to provide safe food to its customers.
In the event of a fire, the facility should immediately cease food operations. Contact our agency at 216.201.2000 for further guidance.
For information about responding to a fire, including general cleaning and food disposal, please refer to these fact sheets:
Fire in a Food Facility (English)
Fire in a Food Facility (Spanish)
Fire in a Food Facility (Mandarin)
Flooding in a Food Facility
When a flood occurs within a food service operation, there are several potential health concerns.
In the event of a flood, a facility should immediately cease food operations. Contact our agency at 216.201.2000 for guidance prior to re-opening.
For information about responding to a flood in a food facility, please refer to these fact sheets:
Flooding in a Food Facility (English)
Flooding in a Food Facility (Spanish)
Flooding in a Food Facility (Mandarin)
Loss of Water Service in a Food Facility
A sufficient supply of clean, potable (drinkable) water is required in a food facility for handwashing, food preparation, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and other food service activities.
Problems involving the water supply are especially important since water may serve as a direct vehicle of contamination to food or food contact surfaces.
In the event of potable water interruption, the facility should immediately cease food operations. Contact our agency at 216.201.2000 for further guidance.
For information about responding to potable water interruption, please refer to these fact sheets:
Water Interruption in a Food Facility (English)
Water Interruption in a Food Facility (Spanish)
Water Interruption in a Food Facility (Mandarin)
Power Outage in a Food Facility
Interruptions of electrical service in a food facility can compromise food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and overall facility operations.
In the event of a power outage, the facility should immediately cease food operations. Contact our agency at 216.201.2000 for further guidance.
The fact sheets linked here explain how to respond to a power outage situation, including temporary alternative procedures and food disposal.
Power Outage in a Food Facility (English)
Power Outage in a Food Facility (Spanish)
Power Outage in a Food Facility (Mandarin)
Sewage Backup in a Food Facility
A sewage backup is the overflow of sewage from equipment or plumbing within a food facility. This liquid waste poses a contamination risk to food and surfaces and may impact overall facility operations.
In the event of a sewage backup, the facility should immediately cease food operations. Contact our agency at 216.201.2000 for further guidance.
The fact sheets linked here explain how to respond to a sewage backup, including general cleanup and food disposal.
Sewage Backup in a food facility (English)
Sewage Backup in a food facility (Spanish)
Sewage Backup in a food facility (Mandarin)
Vomit/Fecal Matter in a Food Facility
The Cleanup Guidance for Vomit/Fecal Accidents in a Food Service Operation fact sheet provides information about developing and implementing a plan for cleaning and disinfecting all affected surfaces. Quick and thorough cleanup helps prevent the spread of illness to employees and customers.
Cleanup Guidance (English)
Cleanup Guidance (Spanish)
Cleanup Guidance (Mandarin)