Lakelands Public Health Recommends Caution Against Foodborne and Waterborne Illness During Power Outages in Haliburton County

Due to ongoing power outages in the County of Haliburton following recent inclement weather, Lakelands Public Health is urging residents and businesses in Haliburton County to take precautions to prevent foodborne and waterborne illness.

“Power outages can quickly affect food safety and water systems,” says Julie Bromley, Manager, Emergency Services & Healthy Environments, with Lakelands Public Health. “Residents and businesses should err on the side of caution when it comes to storing food safely and ensuring drinking water is safe to use.”

Lakelands Public Health recommends the following food and water safety precautions:

Food Safety for Businesses and Residents

For businesses:
Businesses that do not have adequate back-up generators to operate refrigeration, ventilation, water treatment equipment, water and sewage pumps, and other essential equipment must remain closed until power is restored.

Food items stored in refrigerators or coolers that were not working for an extended period during the outage should not be sold to the public and must be disposed of safely.

For questions or concerns, businesses can contact Lakelands Public Health and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector at 1-844-575-4567.

For residents in homes and cottages:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature inside. Without power, refrigerators can keep food cold for 12–24 hours if kept closed.
• Some foods, particularly dairy products and meat, may spoil sooner and should be discarded to prevent illness.
• Freezers can typically keep food frozen for one to two days if they remain closed.
• Any food that has been at room temperature for more than two hours should be thrown out.
• Partially thawed frozen food can be refrozen safely, although quality may be affected.
• If possible, add bags of ice to fridges or freezers, or transfer food to a cooler with ice to help keep temperatures cold (4°C / 40°F or lower).
• Throw out any food that is discoloured, smells unusual, or may have spoiled.

Private Well Water

Many homes that rely on private wells use electric pumps to bring water into the home, and some treatment systems (such as UV systems) also require electricity.

During a power outage:

• Water may not be available if the pump is not working.
• Residents should use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and other activities involving water consumption.

When power is restored:

• Ensure the pump and treatment system are operating properly.
• Run the water for approximately five minutes to flush the plumbing system before using it.
• Consider testing your well water after a power outage to ensure it is safe to drink. Well water testing kits are available through Lakelands Public Health offices and participating locations.

Private Septic Systems

Some on-site septic systems rely on electric pumps to move wastewater through the system.

If the power is out:

• Septic and pump tanks can continue to fill if water is being used in the home.
• Limit water use until power is restored to help prevent wastewater from backing up into the home.

Pools and Hot Tubs

Power outages can affect the recirculation and filtration systems in pools and hot tubs.

• Avoid using pools or hot tubs during a power outage.
• Once power is restored, contact a qualified recreational water supplier if needed before resuming use.

Other Safety Tips

• Check on older relatives and neighbours who may need assistance during a power outage.
• Do not use camp stoves, lanterns, or barbecues indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If using a portable generator, operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows and air intakes. Never connect a generator to your electrical panel unless it has been properly installed by a qualified electrician.

For more information, contact Lakelands Public Health at 1-844-575-4567.