My Power is Out…..

By Jody Weyers, Volunteer & Communications Director

Roughly 64,000 people were without power as they woke up this morning in Northeast Wisconsin. I was one of the lucky ones that still had my power. As I got the call this morning at 3:30 am, from Judy Gregory, our emergency services director, I was able to monitor news stories on the internet, make my coffee, and have a quick piece of toast before I ran out the door to head to one of the badly damaged areas, Apple Creek Campgrounds, in Wrightstown.

While I was there surveying the damage of downed trees, and debris strewn about and standing with report, Millaine Wells, WFRV-TV, waiting for our live shot, she asked me, “Just how long is food good for in your refrigerator and freezer during a power outage?” She went on to tell me that where she lived, she did not have power this am, and still did not know if she did at 6:30 am today.

I was slightly embarrassed to say, I did not know the answer, but I did look it up in online once I got back to my office in Green Bay (we did have power) and if I don’t know I am many of those 64,000 people do not know either?

Food Safety Tips:

Perishable foods including milk, meat and eggs should not be stored above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you don’t need to be concerned, but you should know how to save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer periods of time. Being prepared can help. By planning ahead, you can save your perishables and safeguard your family’s health.

Go to: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/food-safety for additional food safety tips. Now you and I both know!

Remember, if you or a family member was impacted and displaced from the storm, to contact your local Red Cross at 920-468-8535 to see where we might have shelters open, or to receive emergency assistance.