{"id":17308,"date":"2020-01-09T07:22:48","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T13:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/?p=17308"},"modified":"2020-01-09T07:22:48","modified_gmt":"2020-01-09T13:22:48","slug":"food-safety-preparedness-for-winter-storm-power-outages-storms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/articles\/food-safety-news\/food-safety-preparedness-for-winter-storm-power-outages-storms\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Safety Preparedness for Winter Storm Power Outages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Winter storms can cause power loss and are a threat to the electrical grid when snow and ice build up on power lines when the added weight\u00a0causes wires and poles to break. Likewise, tree limbs also become heavy with snow and ice causing them to break and fall into power lines.<br \/>\nWhen your home loses power, one of your first concerns should be any perishable food on hand.\u00a0A power outage is not only a nuisance, but can make some foods in the freezer and refrigerator unsafe to eat.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-17309\" src=\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"642\" srcset=\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2.jpg 1000w, http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2-225x144.jpg 225w, http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2-125x80.jpg 125w, http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2-768x493.jpg 768w, http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/food-safety-winter-storm-power-outage2-660x424.jpg 660w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p>Food can only last for just a few hours when the power goes out. Knowing how to keep food safe before a loss of power \u2013 and to determine if food is safe after a loss of power \u2013 will help minimize the loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"help-box\">\r\n<div class=\"help-title\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-right: 8px;\" src=\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/index_files\/food_safety_training_banner_icon.png\" alt=\"Food Safety Training\" width=\"39\" height=\"39\" align=\"absmiddle\" \/>Food Safety Training - SALE 10% OFF<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"help-link\"><a class=\"help-button\" title=\"More Info\/Enroll Now\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/food_service_safety_training_courses.html\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"nofollow\" >State Map<\/a><\/div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 10px 0px 0px 10px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Learn about foodborne pathogens, cross contamination, cold and hot food safety, and best practices to prevent foodborne illness.<\/li>\r\n<li>Food Manager ANSI Certification: $99.00 - Valid in all States<\/li>\r\n<li>Food Handler Training: Only $7.00!<\/li>\r\n<li>10% OFF: Enter Promo Code \"train10off\" at Checkout<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<h3>Food Safety for Power Outages &#8211; Actions Before\/During\/After<\/h3>\n<p>Making plans now for a potential power outage can make riding out a prolonged power outage safer, more comfortable, and prevent food illness.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p>[TABS_R id=17311]<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<h3>FDA Video: Food Safety During Power Outages<\/h3>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GkFqAbqO38Q\" width=\"854\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<h3>Food Storage When Power Comes Back On &#8211;\u00a0 What Should I Do?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>IMPORTANT: NEVER <\/strong>taste food to determine its safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Freezer Section\/Foods<\/h3>\n<p><strong>When the freezer is operating again<\/strong>, use these guidelines to decide what to do with foods that were stored in the freezer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If <strong>ice crystals<\/strong> are still visible and\/or the food feels as cold as if refrigerated (40\u00b0 F or below), it is <strong>safe to refreeze<\/strong>.\n<ul>\n<li>Raw meats and poultry, cheese, juices, breads and pastries can be refrozen without losing a lot of quality.<\/li>\n<li>Prepared foods, fish, vegetables and fruits can be refrozen safely, but quality may suffer. Mark these to be used as soon as possible. Remember that seafood will be among the first to thaw and will need attention first. Also, ground meat is likely to spoil before other meats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If the food thawed and has not been <strong>above 40<sup>o <\/sup>F for more than 2 hours<\/strong>, cook and\u00a0serve or refreeze.<\/li>\n<li>If the food thawed or was held <strong>above 40<sup>o <\/sup>F for more than 2 hours, generally it should be discarded<\/strong> because bacteria may multiply to unsafe levels under these conditions. The only foods that can be refrozen under these conditions are well-wrapped hard cheeses, butter and margarine, breads and pastries without custard fillings, fruits and fruit juices that look and smell acceptable.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Vegetables<\/strong> held above 40<sup>o <\/sup>F for less than 6 hours may be refrozen with quality loss.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pecans and other nuts<\/strong> may be refrozen safely but may suffer quality loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2vGAZ64T0uE\" width=\"854\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<h3>Refrigerator Section\/Foods<\/h3>\n<p>When the refrigerator is operating again, use these guidelines to decide what to do with foods that were stored in the refrigerator:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li><strong>Throw away<\/strong> leftovers and perishable foods that have been held above<strong> 40<sup>o\u00a0<\/sup>F for more than 2 hours<\/strong>, including meats, poultry, fish, seafood, lunch meats, hot dogs, milk, cream, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, soy milk and eggs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hard cheese and processed cheese<\/strong>\u00a0will be okay.<\/li>\n<li>Well-wrapped <strong>butter and margarine<\/strong> can usually be kept as long as they do not melt; discard if rancid odors develop.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Condiments<\/strong> such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, relishes, piquant sauce, oil and vinegar-based salad dressings, Worcestershire sauce and steak sauces should be fine. The acid in them is a natural preservative. Jams, jellies, preserves and syrups are all right, too, because sugar is a preservative. Check for mold growth. Discard opened mayonnaise, horseradish and tartar sauce if held above 50<sup>o\u00a0<\/sup> F for more than 8 hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discard milk, cream, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, soy milk and eggs <\/strong>if held above 40<sup>o\u00a0<\/sup>F for more than 2 hours.<\/li>\n<li>Whole <strong>fresh fruit, dried fruits, opened fruit juices and fresh vegetables<\/strong> are safe as long as they&#8217;re still firm and there&#8217;s no evidence of mold, a yeasty smell or sliminess, but discard cut fruits; precut, prewashed packaged greens and opened vegetable juices if held above 40<sup>o <\/sup>F for more than 2 hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nuts and peanut butter<\/strong> also are safe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-14797\" src=\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Food-Safety-FINAL.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"1030\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<h3>Prepare a Disaster Kit<\/h3>\n<p>A good way to start your planning for a power outage is to put together an emergency kit. Try to include the following list of items to help you prepare your kit:<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<!-- Shortcode does not exist -->\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Water \u2013 stock up on bottled water for consumption<\/li>\n<li>Food \u2013 have at least enough for 3 to 7 days that includes non-perishable packaged or canned foods, juices, foods for infants or the elderly, and snack foods<\/li>\n<li>Utensils \u2013 include a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates, and plastic utensils<\/li>\n<li>Blankets, pillows, and warm clothing items<\/li>\n<li>First aid kit, medicine, and prescription drugs<\/li>\n<li>Toiletries, hygiene items, moist towelettes<\/li>\n<li>Flashlight and batteries \u2013 be sure to include extra batteries<\/li>\n<li>Radio and clock \u2013 use battery-operated radios and clocks; also consider purchasing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio<\/li>\n<li>Telephone \u2013 keep cell phone chargers (wall, car, and\/or solar) on hand and, if you have a landline, a traditional (not cordless) telephone set<\/li>\n<li>Emergency numbers \u2013 keep a list of emergency telephone numbers, including the local utility company<\/li>\n<li>Cash and credit cards<\/li>\n<li>Important documents<\/li>\n<li>Tools \u2013 keep a set in your kit; can include duct tape, screw drivers, pliers, safety goggles, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Toys, books, and games<\/li>\n<li>Pet-care items<\/li>\n<li>Supplies for alternate heating methods you may have, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-17312\" src=\"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcertification.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/disaster-survival-kit.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p>If your power goes out due to a winter storm, you might be in for a prolonged power outage as crews work through the harsh weather to get your power back on. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you contact your power provider as soon as you can so they know you have lost power. Other actions you can take to stay safe and comfortable are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stay inside and dress warm in layered clothing.<\/li>\n<li>Close off unneeded rooms.<\/li>\n<li>When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.<\/li>\n<li>Place a rolled-up rug or heavy towel in front of the bottom of doors to minimize any cold drafts from entering the house.<\/li>\n<li>Cover windows at night.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants and people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you cannot keep your home warm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information on how to prepare for a winter storm and how to keep your family safe during and after a winter storm, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/disasterpreparednesscourse.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" rel=\"nofollow\" >Disaster Readiness Portal<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Winter storms can cause power loss and food can only last for just a few hours when the power goes out. Knowing how to keep food safe before a loss of power \u2013 and to determine if food is safe after a loss of power \u2013 will help minimize the loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[79,229,255],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17308"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17308"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17308\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/foodsafetytrainingcourses.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}