Village of Franklin, Mich.

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program offers a free Home*A*Syst guide to all Michigan residents. It is a voluntary, confidential, self-assessment program that individuals can use to evaluate their home and property for pollution and health risks. The eight chapters cover essential topics that every homeowner or resident should be aware of to help protect water quality. Each chapter contains key points, along with tables or worksheets that help identify and reduce home health risks. Lawn*A*Syst and Managing Shoreline Property to Protect Water Quality are supplements to Home*A*Syst that examine home and yard care and the special role that shoreline property owners have in pollution prevention. For more information, to schedule a presentation, or to receive a copy of the Home*A*Syst book and/or the supplements please contact Megan at the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program Office - MSU Extension Oakland County, 248-858-0896.

When the Power Goes Out---  By: Sylvia Treitman, Home Economist, Michigan State University Extension – Oakland County

• BEFORE THE EMERGENCY
• DURING THE EMERGENCY
• AFTER THE EMERGENCY

Severe storms can happen almost anytime of the year, and with them often come power outages. Sometimes a freezer door is left open and the food is questionable. It doesn't matter what the cause, these situations require food safety knowledge!

The ideal situation, of course, is to "Be Prepared" for an emergency. This is always easier said than done. The following tips may help the next time an emergency strikes. There are some simple things you can do to prepare for a power failure.

BEFORE THE EMERGENCY

Invest in an appliance thermometer. Keep a refrigerator thermometer in refrigerator. This is one of the best things to do ahead of time. When the power goes back on and the refrigerator is still at 40 degrees you know the food is safe! Foods held at temperatures above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours should not be consumed.

Another thing to do to prepare for a power failure is to keep your freezer as full as possible. It if isn't full, try to keep frozen items close to one another to act as insulators in case of a power failure. Freeze water in plastic containers to fill empty spaces. Also keep frozen gel packs in the freezer. Know in advance where to buy dry ice or block ice.

Separate raw meat and poultry items from other foods and put them in a separate plastic bag. This way if the raw meat and poultry begin to thaw this will prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods.

DURING THE EMERGENCY

Minimize opening of the freezer and refrigerator. A fully stocked freezer will usually keep food frozen for 2 days after losing power. A half-full freezer will usually keep food frozen for about 1 day.

In the refrigerator, food will usually keep 4 to 6 hours, depending upon the temperature of the room. If the power will be out for a longer time, block ice may be placed in the refrigerator.

Dry ice may be placed in the freezer, if the power will be out for an extended period of time. Caution needs to be used in handling dry ice. Breathing vapors can be dangerous and touching dry ice may cause burns.

Avoid using the outside, garage, porch or car as an alternate refrigerator when power outage occurs in the winter. Outdoor temperatures can fluctuate (especially in Michigan). Sun rays can raise temperatures. Food stored in the garage or porch may be exposed to unsanitary conditions and stray animals that harbor disease.

AFTER THE EMERGENCY

When the power is restored, learn how to tell if food is still safe to use:

As soon as power is restored evaluate each package of food in freezer. If ice crystals remain, or package is partially frozen or if the food feels as cold (as if refrigerated), it is safe to refreeze it.

Check the refrigerator thermometer temperature when the power is restored

If food thawed or was held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.

Be sure to discard any fully cooked items in either the freezer or refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.

Never taste food to check its safety. Remember, some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature longer than two hours bacteria may have grown and they may cause foodborne illness. If in doubt, "throw it out".

If you have questions on the safety of food during a power outage or disaster, call the M.S.U. Extension – Oakland County Food and Nutrition Hotline, Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:00 at (248) 858-0904. To receive a chart on how to evaluate both freezer and refrigerator foods after a power failure, send a legal size self addressed stamped envelope to Michigan State University Extension, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. Dept 416, Pontiac MI 48341-0416 and request: "Evaluating Refrigerator and Freezer Foods"

Garden Hotline
MSU Extension - Oakland County

Plant and insect problems confront many homeowners and businesses. To manage problems environmentally, economically and safely, call MSU Extension - Oakland County's Yard and Garden Hotline, (248) 858-0902 or Toll Free (888) 350-0900 ext.80902: Receive advice regarding trees, lawns, flowers, fruit, shrubs, vegetables, houseplants, pests and more! Office hours are currently Monday through Thursday 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.  CONTACT:  Megan Wiswesser, Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, Michigan State University Extension-Oakland County (248) 858-0896

WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2001

An improperly maintained septic system can cost between $3000 and $6000 to repair, or replace. It can also be a health hazard to your family and the environment. Do you know what you need to do to keep your system functioning properly? What about drinking well water? How do you know it’s safe to drink? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered at the Septic Tank and Well Water education workshop. The workshop will be held on June 7^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Richardson Center, 1485 Oakley Park Road in Commerce Township. This educational workshop will be hosted by the Oakland County Environmental Health Department and the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. Speakers will be discussing how septic systems work and how to properly manage them. Also, what you need to know about your well water. This workshop is open to the public, at no cost, and all attendees will receive an informational packet. For more information please contact Megan Wiswesser at 248-858-0896.

We welcome your comments!
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© 1998 Village of Franklin