Food safety during a power outage
What you need to know

With some areas of Simcoe and Muskoka experiencing power outages due to the storm that passed through Wednesday, residents could have some concerns with the safety of food in refrigerators and freezers.

The following are some guidelines from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for you to follow whenever there is a power outage:

Without power, the refrigerator section will keep foods cool for 4-6 hours if the door is kept closed. Refrigerator temperatures should be 4C or less to keep food safe.

Without power, an upright or chest freezer that is completely full will keep food frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for one day. The freezer temperature should be -18C or colder for food safety.

To keep foods cold during a power outage, avoid opening and closing the freezer and the refrigerator.

If food is above 4C for more than two hours, hazardous foods such as those containing meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and eggs, should be discarded

For more information about food safety, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth. org or call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.