SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is urging residents to take precautions as more freezing rain, ice accumulation and icy road conditions are expected following the recent ice storm that caused widespread power outages, downed trees, road closures, and possible flooding across the region.

Residents are reminded to stay safe by following local advisories, avoiding non-essential travel where recommended, and checking for updates on warming centres and road conditions through the County of Simcoe and District of Muskoka websites.

Food and Water Safety During a Power Outage

Proper food and water safety are essential during and after a power failure to prevent illness.

Food Safety

• Perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and eggs must be thrown out if stored above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow quickly. It is recommended that you throw out:
  • Raw or cooked meat products such as cold cuts, poultry and poultry products
  • Fish and seafood
  • Milk and milk products, including yogurt and cheese
  • Casseroles, stews, soups
  • Salads such as pasta, potato, and rice
  • Raw and cooked vegetables
• A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power; a half-full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours. For example:
  • Throw out thawed vegetables, fish, shellfish, ice cream and frozen foods because bacteria multiply rapidly in these foods.
  • Partially thawed foods that still contain ice crystals can be safely refrozen. However partial thawing and refreezing reduces the quality of most foods.
  • Fruits that still look and smell good may be refrozen.
• If in doubt – throw it out.

Water Safety

Municipal Drinking Water and Small Drinking Water Systems:

• Most municipal water treatment plants have backup generators in place and the water systems are reliable during a power outage.
• Listen to local emergency officials if other precautions or water conservation messages are put in place.
• If a boil water advisory is necessary, your drinking water service provider will notify affected customers and provide safety messages.
• If local authorities issue a boil water advisory, use only boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, making ice and beverages, making infant formula, brushing teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables. Boil water for at least one minute to ensure safety.

Private Well Water:

• If you rely on a private well, a prolonged power outage can cause your well pump to stop working.
• Once the power is restored, flush the lines, by letting the water for five minutes and check treatment devices (i.e., UV lights) to ensure everything is running properly. 
• Test your water. Private well owners can test their water free of charge. Sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at many of our health unit offices.

• Until the safety of your drinking water is confirmed through testing, use commercially bottled water.

• If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
• If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth or allow it to settle before boiling.

Use only safe drinking water for:

• Making ice, juice, coffee, tea, and infant formula (ready-to-serve infant formula is safest if water safety is a concern).
• Cooking and washing fruits and vegetables.
• Brushing teeth and washing hands.
• Dishwashing (for extra safety, add a capful of bleach to a sink full of clear water for rinsing dishes).

Preventing Infection and Illness

• Safely wash your hands by:

• Using alcohol-based hand rubs if hands are not visibly dirty.
  • Children should be supervised when using hand rubs and those under 2 years of age should have hands washed per below.
• If hands are dirty,
  • Wash with soap and bottled water or cooled, boiled water; or
  • Wash with soap and tap water, then dry thoroughly and sanitize your hands using an alcohol-based hand rub.

Information for Businesses Providing Personal Care Services

Businesses providing personal care services must:

• Enact contingency plans.
• Ensure tap water is not used for hand hygiene by clients or staff.
• Ensure only bottled water is used for cleaning and disinfecting/sterilizing of reusable equipment; single-use equipment is preferred.

 Check In on Others

• During emergencies, take time to check on neighbors, friends, and family who may be at risk. Ensure they have warm shelter, food, water, and necessary supplies.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit smdhu.org/PowerOutage or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.