In the days following the area’s recent high winds, flooding, and power outages Lorain County General Health District’s Acting Health Commissioner Dave Covell, MPH, issues safety reminders for residents.
Electrical Safety:
- Never touch a fallen power line.
- Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.
- If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call or have someone else call 911.
Generator Safety:
Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator.
- Only use your generator outdoors and follow these safety tips:
- Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.
- Place generators away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.
- Generators should be at least 15 feet away from buildings.
- Keep your generator and hands dry when operating. Do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.
Food Safety:
- Never taste a food to determine its safety!
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature
- The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. If you have a thermometer and it reads 40 °F or below the food is safe. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).
- Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below.
- Use block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for 2 days.
- If refrigerator temperature goes above 40 °F, throw out perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items. Rising refrigerator temperatures become a concern after 4 hours without power.
- When in Doubt, Throw it Out!
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