During this ice storm emergency, the Department of Environmental Health warns homeowners that dangerous conditions can occur when power outages exist for any length of time.

Food Consumption and Storage

Always keep meat, poultry, fish, and eggs refrigerated at or below 40 degrees F° and frozen food at or below 0 degrees F°. This may be difficult when power is out. 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 left unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if half full) if the door remains closed. Obtain dry ice or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot freezer for 2 days.

Refrigerated foods with temperature readings between 40 degrees F° and 140 degrees F° for more than 4 hours should be discarded. Bacteria growth will occur and can cause a foodborne illness if this food is consumed. Re-heating the food will not kill the bacteria once the food has been in the temperature danger zone for more than 4 hours.

Internet Links for more information:

• US FDA: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html
• American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0%2C1082%2C0_564_%2C00.html

Carbon Monoxide and Home Heating

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause illness and death if you breathe it. When power outages occur during emergencies such as winter storms, homeowners often attempt use alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking. CO from these sources can build up in confined spaces and poison the people and animals inside.

Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper - or even outside near an open window. Also, never use a natural gas or propane stove for home heating.

Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms. If you think you may have CO poisoning, consult a health care professional right away.

Internet Links for more information:

• KDHE: http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/news/web_archives/2003/09292003a.htm
• EPA: http://www.epa.gov/air/topics/comoria.html
• FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=15743

Pet Concerns During Power Outages

If at all possible, bring all pets indoors during extremely cold weather. Some companion animals, especially the very young or very old, can’t handle extremely stressful conditions. Housing the animal temporarily in a garage or extra room is safer than leaving it outdoors. If you must leave animals outside, make sure they are in a secure area, safe from high winds and falling debris. Check the pet’s water and food dishes to make sure they won’t be blown away, get wet or freeze. If you bring your pet indoors, keep it away from hazardous household materials - antifreeze and toxic plants, for example - that can be deadly. Be sure to have extra bottled drinking water and pet food on hand in case you can't get to a store for several days.

Pets depend on their owners for survival. Falling trees and branches may make homes dangerous areas. If your home is unsafe for you to live in, don’t assume that it’s safe for your pet, whether cat, dog, ferret or bird. If you must go to a shelter or hotel/motel, call ahead first to make sure you can bring your pet with you. If not, make arrangements with an animal boarding facility in a safe area. As a last resort, if you absolutely must leave your pets behind, prepare an emergency pen in your home that includes a three-day supply of dry food and a large container of fresh water. Birds must eat daily to survive. If you must leave your birds behind, local pet stores carry special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given.

Internet Links for more information:

• American Veterinary Association: http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/pawsforpets/default.asp
• Humane Society of the US: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_winters_woes.html

For more information, contact: D. Kay Johnson, Director, Dept. of Environmental Health, 268-8351

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