HEALTH UNIT OFFERS FOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Flood victims are urged to take extra steps to avoid food contamination.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has put together some tips to help protect the health of you and your family.

It’s also good, handy advice to read and keep for other power emergencies.

A power outage after a flood can mean that some foods may be unsafe to eat, they say in a release you may have missed in all the flooding and had no time to read.

Many businesses suffered flood damage and had to close for various days, including the Boston Pizza in Huntsville, which is now open. The health unit had advised all food-related establishments to contact them before re-opening.

A refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours without power.

They say throw out any food that has been above 4 C (40 F) for more than two hours, including:

  • fish, poultry and meats, including cold cuts
  • eggs, milk and cheese and other dairy products
  • soups, stews, casseroles
  • any food that may have come in contact with meat juices.

If your chest freezer is full and remains closed, food inside should stay safely frozen for up to 48 hours after a power failure. If your freezer is half full, food inside should stay safely frozen for 24 hours after a power failure.

Any food that has thawed should be thrown out. If in doubt – throw it out.

Also, those on private wells or surface water impacted by the flood, are reminded that they should continue to use an alternative water source until you confirm your water is safe for use. After flood waters recede, all residents with private water supplies should:

  • assess their wells/surface water intake to check for flood waters and damage
  • flush the well of any floodwater
  • disinfect the well and  internal plumbing
  • change any treatment filters
  • check any water system treatment devices to ensure they are working properly
  • sample your water at least twice a few weeks apart to ensure it is safe for consumption.

Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.

It’s also important to clean up as soon as possible.

Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or other hazards that can make people ill. Items that have come into contact with floodwater need to be handled carefully. Flood damaged areas can grow mould if they are not cleaned properly.

As well:

  • operators of food establishments that have been closed as a result of flooding should contact the health unit for information prior to reopening
  • a complete list of sample bottle pick up and drop off locations is available on the SMDHU website.

More information on what to do after a flood can be found at www.smdhu.org, or by calling Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Boston Pizza deck was totally flooded the first weekend after the flooding began. But Muskoka River levels are going down and the patio should be ready for summer at some point.