Public Health & Safety Guidance Following Ice Storm

Peterborough Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 31, 2025, Peterborough

Take Precautions to Avoid Foodborne and Waterborne Illness

Following the weekend’s ice storm, power outages and debris clean up may persist for several days, posing a risk to residents. The following information outlines guidelines for minimizing the health risks associated with foodborne and waterborne illnesses. For those with limited access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health to hear this information and ask questions at 705-743-1000.

Food Safety and Storage:

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. A household fridge that is left closed will typically keep food at a safe temperature (4°C or 40°F) for 4 hours, after which the temperature will begin to rise. Hazardous foods such as milk, deli meats, and other dairy or meat products should be discarded once it’s spent more than 2 hours at a temperature warmer than 4°C or 40°F.

A freezer (chest or fridge-freezer combo) will keep food frozen for one to two days if it remains closed. Throw out any food that is thawed or has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If food has only been partially thawed, or thawed for less than 2 hours, it can be safely refrozen. The quality of the food item may be affected, but the food will still be safe to consume if it has only been partially thawed.  Consider transferring hazardous food items from the refrigerator to a cooler with ice, replace the ice frequently to keep food cold (ideally at 4°C or 40°F).

Well and Septic System Safety:

For those on wells and septic systems, power outages can affect treatment units for drinking/tap water and pumps for well water and septic systems.

Drinking Water: 

Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water. When the power is restored, verify that any filters and treatment devices have resumed normal operation and flush your plumbing system to remove any untreated water by running the water for several minutes through all plumbing fixtures. Collect a water sample as soon as possible once the power has been restored.

Pump Failure:

If you do not have water due to a pump failure, find an alternate source of water to use until you can sample your water once the power comes back on. Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water.

Septic Systems:

If you are on a septic system, limit the amount of wastewater that you are generating. If your sewage cannot be pumped to the leaching bed, your tank may fill up and backup into the house or discharge to the ground. In the event you have a sewage backup into your home or you observe breakout of sewage onto your property, call a sewage hauler and immediately pump your septic tank.

Pools and Hot Tubs:

If you have a pool or hot tub, there could be increased challenges with pool/hot tub operation and safety if recirculation systems are not working. Contact a recreational water professional for more information about after-care once the power comes back on. During the power outage, avoid swimming in the pool to prevent waterborne illnesses due to insufficient pool water treatment. If the water is cloudy, do not swim as this can increase risk for accidental drowning.

General Safety During a Power Outage:

• Do not cook indoors on equipment that expels carbon monoxide (camp stoves, charcoal grills, etc.).
• Do not use gas stoves unless there is proper ventilation (they often require electric fans to ventilate).
• Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order with batteries.
• Do not use portable generators indoors. These need to be outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not connect a portable generator to your home electrical panel unless this has been previously set up by a qualified electrician.
• Use caution while driving as many streetlights and stop lights may be out.
• Do not stand under trees or other hazards, as they may be compromised by ice.

Stay Warm:

The City of Peterborough is operating warming centres. The following sites will be open until 8 p.m. on March 31st:
•  Healthy Planet Arena, banquet hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.
•  Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.
•  Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Flood Cleanup:

If your home experiences flooding, standing water and water-damaged materials can present long-term health risks, with the growth of mould, viruses, and bacteria. Homes and furnishings are less likely to grow mould if they are dried within 48 hours. Learn more at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flooding. To clean up, ensure you:

• Determine if the flood involves relatively clean water or sewage-contaminated water.
  • Contact PPH if you suspect sewage contamination.
• Keep any extension cords out of the water.
• Shut off power to the flooded area at the breaker box.
• Wear rubber boots (to avoid electrical shocks), disposable gloves, N95 mask, and goggles.
• Do not use combustion equipment designed for outdoor use inside.
• Dispose of contaminated household items that cannot be dried.

For those without access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 to hear this information. Additional information can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca