For readers affected by this week’s Ike-related wind storms, some advice from WTAE-TV:
For thousands of people without power, the main concern right now is the loss of their refrigerators, and the loss medications and foods that need to keep cool.
Raw fruit and vegetables are safe to eat, but if they’re cooked or an open can of juice throw them away after six hours.
Dr. David Rottinghaus is among the thousands of people whose home has been without power since Sunday’s storm. He knows refrigerated items can last four to six hours. A full freezer will keep food safe about two days.
The Allegheny County Health department recommends:
- The maximum safe temperatures are 40 degrees for refrigerators and 0 degrees for freezers.
- Use appliance thermometers to check temperatures and remember above 40 degrees bacteria grows and may cause foodborne illness
- Never taste food to determine safety. It may look and smell fine, but after two hours at room temperature it might be dangerous.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors shut to preserve cooling.
- Use ice and frozen gel packs to help keep things cool.
Medications such as insulin demand the same cooling some foods require. Insulin can’t go below 36 degrees or above 86 degrees. Don’t use it if it’s:- Crystallized
- Frosting
- Plumping
- Changes clarity or color
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