McHenry County Health Department Offers Timely Reminders

Many residents are experiencing power outages from the recent storm. The McHenry County Department of Health wants to provide some general safety reminders.

 Food Safety:

• Try to open the freezer as little as necessary. Keep the cold air in there.
• A full free standing freezer should hold a freezing temperature for about 2 days.
• A half full freezer should hold a freezing temperature for about 1 day.
• If your freezer is half full, group packages together to so they form an “igloo” protecting each other.
• If food starts to thaw. What can safely be kept?
• Evaluate each item separately.
• Be careful with meat and poultry products, as well as, any food containing milk, cream, sour cream or soft cheese.
•  When power is restored, residents are encouraged to verify food temperatures with metal stemmed thermometers.
• Potentially hazardous food at temperatures above 41 degrees should be discarded after 2 hours.
•  WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Generators:

Generators can be a big help if you are without power. But remember:

• Use generators outdoors only! They give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
• Connect appliances one at a time. Never hook a generator to your house-hold wiring yourself. Only a qualified electrician should do this.
• Avoid using extension cords with generators. If you must use them, check them often to make sure they do not become hot. Disconnect them immediately if this happens.

If you need more information about food safety in power outages, please feel free to call the McHenry County Department of Health at 815-334-4585.