This Fourth of July, Think Beyond Fireworks

Chances are, you’re a little bummed about the fireworks ban and more than a little bummed about the cancellation of the big professional show in Scotts Valley.  This year is unfortunately exceptional; Santa Cruz County - once coined “asbestos county” because of its lack of wildfire - is exceptionally dry and prone to fire.  Any spark can start a fire that destroys the lives of the people and animals who live in the area.  We have seen 3 such destrutive fires in our county thus far, only one month into fire season.

On a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more reported outdoor fires in the United States than all other causes of outdoor fire combined, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  While highly vegitated areas and mountainous areas are most prone to wildfire, any fire can become out of control in the current conditions.  If you live in a highly populated area, you are not free of fire danger.

This Fourth of July, please think twice before you set off any fireworks.  One year without fireworks can make a huge difference in Santa Cruz County.

Alternatives to Fireworks:

• Scotts Valley will still be having the 4th of July Parade and concert by the Govenor’s Marching Band at Skypark. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. at Civic Center and Scotts Valley drives. The concert will start at 5 p.m.
• Join the 4th festivities in Aptos, including the “Worlds Shortest Parade” and Picnic.
• If you have children, consider these fun ideas from HGTV.com: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_entertaining_occasions/article/0,,HGTV_3115_1390110,00.html
• Go to a movie - see one with plenty of explosions.
• Go on a road trip to a location that has a professional fireworks show.
• Check out the Boardwalk - an original piece of Americana.
• Get a Pinata!  Explodes like fireworks, but with no fire - and the added bonus of candy.

Wildfire Safety Tips

It has been a rough start to summer and the fire season here in Santa Cruz County. Fire season in California is long - it doesn’t end until the start of the fall rains. Fire crews expect that hot spot will still exist throughout the summer as a result of the Summit and Martin fires. If you and your family are in a wildfire prone area and have not prepared for a fire evacuation or emergency - now is the time!

Our friends at the Santa Clara County Chapter have put together this guide to fire preparedness. If you have any specific questions, please leave a comment here or give our chapter a call at 831-462-2881. We would be happy to help you get prepared!

Wildfire Preparedness Information/Tips

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

Practice Wildfire Safety

• People start most wildfires…find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.
• Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.
• Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills, such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get home.

Protect Your Home

• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
• Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
  Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it’s kept.
• Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.

Before Wildfire Threatens

• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.
• Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
• Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals.
• Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Create a 30- to 100-Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home.

• Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry of fice for additional information.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home.
• Mow grass regularly.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill–use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
• Place stove, fireplace, and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
  Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved wood burning devices.

Plan Your Water Needs

• Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
• Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
• Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
• Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

When Wildfire Threatens

• If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

• Wear protective clothing–sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If You’re sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect Your Home
Inside:

• Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
• Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
• Gather fire tools.

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.
Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of eyeglasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Create a Family Disaster Plan

Wildfire and other types of disasters–hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, hazardous materials spill, winter storm–can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together. Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. To get started. . .

• Contact your local Red Cross chapter
• Find out about the hazards in your community.
• Ask how you would be warned.
• Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.

Meet With Your Family

• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
• Explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster.
• Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate.
• Practice what you have discussed.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster
Pick two meeting places:
1.A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
2.A place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call.

Complete These Steps

• Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
• Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
• Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
• Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.

Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
“Are You Ready for a Fire?” (ARC 4456)
“Fire Safety Pictorial Brochure” (ARC 5036) designed for people of low literacy. Contains few words, and those are in both English and Spanish.
“Safe Living in Your Manufactured Home” (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and tornado safety information for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
“Your Family Disaster Plan” (ARC 4466)
“Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit” (ARC 4463)

Materials for Children:
Fire Prevention Week Campaign Kit (ARC 5016)
Contains ideas, stories, sample news releases, camera-ready artwork, and information for use during Fire Prevention Week, and, since most of the information in the kit is undated, throughout the year.
“Be Ready 1-2-3″ features a children’s workbook (ARC 5017), Instructor’s Manual (ARC 5018), “How-To” Guide (ARC 5019), and “completion certificate” (C-814) that involve puppets who give important safety information to children ages 3-8 about residential fire safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
“Fire Safety Activity Poster” (ARC 5034) is an 18″ x 24″ poster designed for children ages 4-8 on one side, and 8-12 on the other. Contains a maze, puzzle, word find, and coloring pages. In English and Spanish.
“Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book” (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) for children ages 3-10.
“Adventures of the Disaster Dudes” (ARC 5024) video and Presenter’s Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.

Wildfire Evacuation Site Information, 5/22

Wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains

An evacuation site has been established at the Fair Grounds in Watsonville, CA. Evacuees may go there to receive American Red Cross Services including prepared meals, counseling, and information.

Safe and Well

Register with the American Red Cross Safe and Well website to let families and friends know that you are safe. If you are looking for someone from the affected area, check Safe and Well to find out if they are registered.

Disaster Drill to be held May 17, Community Members Needed!

On Saturday, May 17 from 9am-2pm the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a disaster drill.

During the drill, emergency service volunteers will practice the skills they need during disaster:

 

– opening up a shelter for people displaced by the disaster

– preparing a meal for a large group

– providing for medical and mental health needs

– issuing client assistance

 

We need community members who are willing to act as our disaster victims. Lunch will be provided. This is a great chance to see what the American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County can do if our community is struck by a disaster. Please join us!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, please call us at 831-462-2881 x20.

Red Cross response to Southern Tornadoes

A blog is now available for information on the Red Cross response to the recent tornadoes in several southern states:

http://redcrosstn.wordpress.com/

Volunteers from Santa Cruz County have not yet been called, but are standing by. In the event that they are needed .

If you are looking for loved ones in the effected area, please visit our Safe and Well site at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

This year, Change a Life – Starting with your own.

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution you won’t want to go back on? Join the American Red Cross family!

When we say that YOU are the American Red Cross – it is not just some goofy tag line. Did you know that the staff of the American Red Cross nationwide is 96% volunteer? Each chapter, in fact, is lead by a 100% volunteer board. The American Red Cross is a civilian organization, where ordinary people can step up and do extraordinary things!

It really is easy to become a part of the Santa Cruz County Chapter. You can do something as simple as give blood at one of our regular local drives, or you can become a Disaster Services volunteer and be deployed to local and national disasters, from single home fires to massive disasters that affect entire communities. You can help members of the military connect with their families in the States while they are overseas. You can learn how to teach CPR and First Aid or our Babysitter’s Training class and teach countless individuals how to save a life. You can help low income and elderly individuals by transporting them to their medical appointments. You can even come to our office and help us file papers. All of these things help the Santa Cruz County Chapter continue to serve our area.

Don’t wait until the next big disaster hits! The more training you have with us, the more you’ll be able to help. All of our disaster training is free – and you’ll have fun working with our team. You can choose to be deployed across the country or stay right here in the county. We will work with your schedule the best that we can.

Want to be reminded of your resolution? We can do that! Just click HERE and we will send you a reminder. Or, give our chapter a call at 831-462-2881. You can also walk in… we are located at 2960 Soquel Avenue (the frontage road to HWY1) in Santa Cruz.

PG&E provides their tips for Power Outage Safety

Storm Season Tips and Information from PG&E

During storm season it is important to have the right information on hand for yourself, friends and neighbors. When individuals experience a power outage they should call PG&E’s outage information line at 1-800-PGE-5002 to report the outage and/or to get updates on the power restoration efforts in their area. Calling this line is the most efficient way to get updated outage information.

What you should have in case of a power outage:

- Battery operated radios with fresh batteries ready for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
- Battery operated flashlights with fresh batteries on hand
- A cell phone, or hard-wired, single line telephone. Cordless phones will not work without power.
- PG&E and the American Red Cross recommend that individuals do not use candles because of the risk of fire.
- Fill used liter sized plastic soda bottles with water and place them in the freezer. During an extended outage, transfer them to the refrigerator to prevent food from spoiling. Open the refrigerator only when necessary, keeping warm air out and cool air in. If food is exposed to warm air for an extended length of time, please reffer to the chart below to assess the food’s edibility.
- If you have a generator, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000. Make sure your generator is installed safely and properly. If it is not, you risk damaging your property and endangering yourself and PG&E line workers who may be working on power lines some distance from your home. Information on the safe installation of generators can be found on PG&E’s website: www.pge.com/generator.

What you should know in case of a power outage:

- If you see a downed power line, assume that it is “live” or carrying electrical current. Do not touch or try to move it and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines and other electric emergencies immediately by calling 911 and PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000.
- If your power goes out, turn off and unplug all electric appliances. When the power is restored, several appliances may turn on at once and overload your circuits. Heat generating appliances left on may pose a fire hazard. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns.

Information given on behalf of PG&E, Central coast and Southern Santa Clara county, 2008

Santa Cruz Red Cross provides help to powerless

The Santa Cruz County Chapter has been providing a canteen service to those affected by the power outages caused by the massive storm that recently barreled through Santa Cruz County. During a canteen service, Red Cross volunteers drive to affected neighborhoods and distribute food, beverages and other goods. This canteen service includes coffee and tea, hot soup and blankets. Meals are served from the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), which is clearly identified as an American Red Cross vehicle. Brewed coffee and hot water for tea have been donated by Peet’s Coffee and Tea of Santa Cruz and Starbucks of Scotts Valley.

The chapter is also providing Counseling to those who request it, as well as help with necessary medical needs that have been interrupted by the power outage.

We are asking our community for monetary donations at this time, as our budget has been hard hit by a record number of home fires this year in Santa Cruz County. A donation to the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross will stay in Santa Cruz County and help your local chapter respond to local emergencies year round, from single home fires to massive disasters that affect the entire community. The American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Chapter is not a government agency, nor do we receive our funding from National Red Cross. We could not perform our lifesaving services if not for the generosity of the people of Santa Cruz County.

Remember, your Red Cross is always available to answer any questions that you may have. Please call us at 831-462-2881.

Quick info about floods and mudslides

FLOODS

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_240_,00.html

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .

• Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

 

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

 

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

 

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

 

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

 

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

 

MUDSLIDES

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_254_,00.html#plan

How to Protect Your Property

·         If your property is in a landslide-prone area, contract with a private consulting company specializing in earth movement for opinions and advice on landslide problems and on corrective measures you can take. Such companies would likely be those specializing in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or civil engineering. Local officials could possibly advise you as to the best kind of professional to contact in your area. Taking steps without consulting a professional could make your situation worse.

·         Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings will be less likely to break.

 

What to Do Before Intense Storms

·         Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether landslides and debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials, state geological surveys or departments of natural resources, and university departments of geology. Knowing the land can help you assess your risk for danger.

·         Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows, or progressively tilting trees. Watching small changes could alert you to the potential of a greater landslide threat.

 

What to Do During Intense Storms

·         Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or portable, battery-powered radio or television for warnings of intense rainfall. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.

·         If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so. Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous. If you remain at home, move to a second story if possible. Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves lives.

·         Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.

·         If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don’t delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.

·         Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.

 

What to Do if You Suspect Imminent Landslide Danger

·         Contact your local fire, police, or public works department. Local officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.

·         Inform affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards. Advising them of a potential threat may help save lives. Help neighbors who may need assistance to evacuate.

·         Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.

 

What to Do During a Landslide

·         Quickly move out of the path of the landslide or debris flow. Moving away from the path of the flow to a stable area will reduce your risk.

·         If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. A tight ball will provide the best protection for your body.

 

What to Do After a Landslide

·         Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.

·         Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.

·         Help a neighbor who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

·         Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.

·         Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.

·         Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.

·         Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.

·         Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.

·         Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.

 

Stormy weather leaving you in the dark?

The biggest storm that Santa Cruz County has seen in 2 years in bearing down on the central coast threatening flooding, wind damage and power outages.  If your power goes out, here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe.

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles.
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer to keep your food as fresh as possible.
• Do not run a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as your home, garage, basement, or crawlspace. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your gas range, oven, or dryer as a source of heat.
• If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
• Use a portable radio for updated news and weather forecasts.
• Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.

Everyone can prepare ahead of time for disasters like a power outage by taking the following actions:

• Build a disaster supplies kit. Your kit should include at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water (one gallon per person per day), a flashlight, a battery-powered or crank radio, as well as batteries, can opener and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.
• Have a communication plan ready. If you have a telephone that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication, including having a cellular telephone, radio, or pager.
• Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• Be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door does not open. If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it.
• Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible.

How to keep food safe during a power outage 

Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned, but how do you save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer times? Being prepared can help. By planning ahead, you can save your perishables.

What do I need?

• One or more coolers. Inexpensive styrofoam coolers can do an excellent job as well.
• Shelf-stable foods, such as canned goods and powdered or boxed milk. These can be eaten cold or heated on the grill.
• A digital quick-response thermometer. A digital thermometer should be a necessity in your kitchen anyway. With these thermometers you can quickly check the internal temperatures of food for doneness and safety.

What to do…

• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer. Tell your little ones not to open the door. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
• If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into your cooler surrounded by ice.
• If it looks like the power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.See “Power is Out” download guidelines (PDF file)

Q’s and A’s
What should be discarded after a power outage? As soon as the power returns, check temperatures. If the food in the freezer has ice crystals and is not above 40 degrees you can refreeze. Perishable foods in the refrigerator should not be above 40 degrees F. for more than two hours. Use this chart to see what has to be discarded and what can be kept.

What if I go to bed and the power is still not on? Before you go to bed, pack your perishables into your coolers if you haven’t already done so and put in as much ice as you can. Also, when you go to bed, leave a bedroom light switched on. When the power goes back on, it will wake you, so you can check the condition of your foods in the freezer.

What if the power goes out while I’m at work or out of the house and it has been more than a few hours before I get home? Try to determine how long the power has been out. Check the internal temperature of the food in your refrigerator with your quick-response thermometer. A liquid such as milk or juice is easy to check. Spot check other items like steaks or left-overs also. If the internal temperature is above 40 degrees, it is best to throw it out.

What if the power goes out and comes back on while I am out? If your freezer is fairly full and you know it was not longer than 24 hours, the food should be OK. There will be loss of quality with refreezing, but the food will be safe. If the refrigerator was out for more than 2-4 hours, you are best to discard the perishables.

Prepared by Giant Food, Inc., Landover, Maryland, June 1999. Used with permission. Original content adapted from “Help, Power Outage!” Food News for Consumers, Summer 1989, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. ARC 1098 September 1999

Frozen Foods
Meat and Mixed Dishes:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, ground meat and poultry	Refreeze	Discard
Casseroles with meat, pasta, rice, egg or cheese base, stews, soups, convenience foods, pizza	Refreeze	Discard
Fish, shellfish, breaded seafood products	Refreeze	Discard

Dairy:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Milk	Refreeze	Discard
Eggs (out of shell) egg products	Refreeze	Discard
Ice cream, frozen yogurt	Discard	Discard
Cheese (soft and semi soft) cream cheese ricotta	Refreeze	Discard
Hard cheese (cheddar Swiss parmesan)	Refreeze	Refreeze

Fruits and Vegetables:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit Juices	Refreeze	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell or sliminess develops.
Home or commercially packaged fruit	Refreeze	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell or sliminess develops.
Vegetable Juices	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.
Home or commercially packaged or blanched vegetables	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.

Baked Goods Baking Ingredients:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit Juices	Refreeze	Refreeze
Flour, cornmeal, nuts	Refreeze	Refreeze
Pie Crusts, Breads, rolls, muffins, cakes (no custard fillings)	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.
Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or cheese filling, cheesecake	Refreeze	Discard
Commercial and homemade bread dough	Refreeze	Refreeze

Refrigerator Foods
Dairy/Eggs/Cheese:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Milk, cream, sour cream buttermilk evaporated milk yogurt	Keep	Discard
Butter, margarine	Keep	Keep
Baby Formula, opened	Keep	Discard
Eggs, egg dishes, custards puddings	Keep	Discard
Hard & processed cheeses	Keep	Keep
Soft cheeses, cottage cheese	Keep	Discard

Fruits & Vegetables:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit juices, opened; Canned fruits, opened; Fresh fruits	Keep	Keep
Vegetables, cooked; Vegetable juice opened	Keep	Discard after 6 hours
Baked potatoes	Keep	Discard
Fresh mushrooms, herbs spices	Keep	Keep
Garlic, chopped in oil or buffer	Keep	Discard

Meat, Poultry, Seafood:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fresh or leftover meat, poultry, fish, or seafood	Keep	Discard
Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef	Keep	Discard
Canned meats NOT labeled “Keep Refrigerated” but refrigerated after opening	Keep	Discard
Canned hams labeled “Keep Refrigerated”	Keep	Discard

Mixed Dishes, Side Dishes:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Casseroles, soups, stews, pizza with meat	Keep	Discard
Meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken, or egg salad	Keep	Discard
Cooked pasta Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinegar base	Keep	Discard
Gravy stuffing	Keep	Discard

Pies, Breads:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Cream or cheese filled pastries and pies	Keep	Discard
Fruit pies	Keep	Keep
Breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads	Keep	Keep
Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough	Keep	Discard

Sauces, Spreads, Jams:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish	Keep	Discard
Opened salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco and barbeque sauce, mustard, catsup olives	Keep	Keep

Prepared by Giant Food, Inc., Landover, Maryland, June 1999. Used with permission. Original content adapted from “Help, Power Outage!” Food News for Consumers, Summer 1989, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. ARC 1098 September 1999