Health experts provide safety tips amid Gravenhurst State of Emergency

Health officials urge residents to take extra precautions following the State of Emergency declared in Gravenhurst.

The Town made the declaration on Sunday after a significant snowstorm swept through the Muskoka region, shutting down Highway 11 and causing widespread power outages, leaving many in the cold and dark.

• Related | Highway 11 reopening from Orillia to Huntsville after massive snowstorm

“The health unit reminds residents to stay vigilant and follow safety recommendations such as staying home and avoiding travel where advised,” stated the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) in a release issued Monday.

Food Safety

Along with travel precautions, the health unit warns residents perishable foods can spoil during significant power outages and should be thrown out to avoid illness.

Foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish and eggs that have sat in temperatures above 4C for more than two hours need to be tossed in the trash.

Frozen food can remain safe in a full chest freezer for up to 48 hours without power, while a half-full freezer keeps food safe for roughly 24 hours.

“Any foods that are thawed should be thrown out,” health experts warn.

Water Risks

Power outages may render water pumps inoperable, so the health unit advises using bottled water or boiling water for up to one minute to be on the safe side.

“Boiling water for one minute will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths, or allow it to settle and then draw off the clear water for boiling,” SMDHU notes.

• Photo Gallery | Snowstorm wreaks havoc across Simcoe Muskoka

These precautions are for drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, and making baby formula.

Check-ins

Health experts encourage residents to check on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.

“Make sure they are warm and safe and have the supplies required,” the unit added.

Residents in the impacted areas can check municipal websites for information and updates about warming centres and road closures.

The District of Muskoka’s Significant Weather Event also remains in effect.

According to Environment Canada, Gravenhurst received what the weather agency called one of the town’s most historic first snowfalls on record, with 140 centimetres of accumulation.