Central New York is infamous for weather changes.  We have variances of weather patterns that can change from one extreme to another very quickly.  Storms with high winds, rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, or all of the above can be "bad news".  Downed power lines  usually means POWER OUTAGE.

A Few Things To Do

Make sure you have a battery-operated radio or TV with extra batteries in case the power goes out. Know which station(s) can provide you with up-to-date local information.

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning

• DO NOT operate a generator inside your home, basement or attached garage. A generator operating indoors or near an open window or door can result in carbon monoxide (CO) in the generator's fumes building up in your home

• DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors.   It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.

• DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home.  Prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide gas in your home can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to death.  CO is a potentially deadly gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating.  Initial symptoms of CO poisoning can be mistaken for flu symptoms. Depending on how long and to how much CO you have been exposed, you can experience any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, loss of muscle control, shortness of breath, chest tightness, visual changes, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart, redness of the skin, and confusion and mild behavioral effects such as slowed reaction time. CO poisoning should be suspected if more than one member of the family is sick and if they feel better after being away from home for a period of time. At high levels, or continued exposure, CO can cause suffocation, resulting in loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death.

Click here to view the 'Tis the Season Tips on Carbon Monoxide.

Generator Tips

• Never run a generator inside your home, basement or attached garage.
   

• Generators should only be operated outside, away from open windows and doors. A generator operating indoors or near an open window or door can result in carbon monoxide (CO) in the generator's fumes building up in your home, causing carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to death.
   

• Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   

• Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
   

• Store gasoline away from the generator and not in your home. Keep gasoline in proper storage containers. Improper storage can cause explosions and/fires.
   

• Consult with a licensed electrician if you decide to connect a generator to your existing household wiring system and install recommended safety devices.
   

• Notify your power company if you have a generator installed.
   

• Keep children away from generators at all times.

Food Tips

Frozen Food  - Leave the freezer door closed; every time you open it, needed cold air escapes causing an increase in food temperature.  A full freezer should keep food safe about 2 days; a half-full freezer should keep food safe about 1 day.  Add bags of ice to the freezer if it appears the power will be off for an extended time.  Once power is restored, you can safely refreeze thawed foods that still contain ice crystals or feel cold to the touch.  All potentially hazardous foods such as meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, milk, cooked leftovers, gravies, soups or products containing these ingredients that have thawed (i.e. soft to touch, liquid evident) but have not warmed to above 50 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded or cooked immediately and either consumed or refrigerated.  If the temperature of these items exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these items should be discarded.  Semi-perishable foods, e.g. breads, fruits, vegetables can be cooked and used or refrozen.  Refreezing may cause a loss in nutritional and/or taste value. 

Refrigerated Food – Keep the door closed; every time you open it, needed cold air escapes causing an increase in food temperature.  Refrigerated items should be safe as long as the power is out no more than about 4 to 6 hours.  If the power is out longer than that, discard potentially hazardous foods such as eggs, milk, meats, poultry, seafood, cooked leftovers, gravies, soups or products containing these ingredients if their temperature exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Semi-perishable foods, such as fruits, vegetables, juices, cheeses, and condiments, may be stored above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended time, but should be checked for appearance, odor, texture and color before consumption.  If it appears the power will be off for more than six hours, refrigerated perishable foods can be transferred to an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs.

If you have any questions or would like more information on Power Outages, you may contact us at (315) 253-1405 or email us at cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.