Refrigerators and freezers are two of the home’s most indispensable servants. Therefore, when the power fails, or when the appliance breaks down, people often panic. If your power goes out, knowing what to do with the food in your refrigerator and freezer can help you stay healthy. The last thing you need after a weather emergency is a case of food poisoning.
If your power fails, the Health Department reminds you that all need not be lost, and they suggest the following hints to help you keep your cool.
● If the power fails, always keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Never open them just to “check things out.” You’ll lose precious cool air and make matters worse.
● If you choose to place ice in and around refrigerator items, make certain you also insert enough containers to catch what melts, and don’t allow foods to sit in water for any length of time.
According to their Environmental Health Services, “An unopened full freezer will keep foods frozen for up to 2 full days. If it’s necessary to add ice to the freezer, make certain you handle it only with adequate ventilation and while wearing protective gloves.”
When power is restored, check all foods, fresh or frozen, to determine safety. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture or feels warm to the touch. Remember the saying, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
For more information of food safety, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department at 309-852-0197 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Environmental Health Division reminds local residents that Food Establishment Inspections are available online at the following link https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/henry-stark/
Those utilizing this link and information should note the Henry & Stark County Health Department’s food protection program follows a risk-based inspection approach, with an emphasis on eliminating foodborne illness risk factors – the violations which are more likely to lead to consumers getting sick.
Environmental Health staff follow the conditions outlined in the Illinois Food Code and the county ordinance to determine compliance with best practices and to educate food establishment employees during routine, unannounced inspections.
Food establishments with a higher relative risk of causing foodborne illness – based on the large number of food handling operations, vulnerable populations served, or special processes conducted are inspected more frequently than food establishments with a lower relative risk of causing foodborne illness.
Please be advised that inspections only provide a snapshot of a food establishment’s practices, as they are based on what is seen at the time of the inspection. If an establishment does not do well during an inspection, Health Department staff work to educate the food establishment workers to assist with preventing repeat violations.
Compliance and follow-up–recheck inspections are conducted as needed in addition to the routine inspections. During any type of inspection, Health Department staff work to educate food establishment employees as to why certain practices are not acceptable and how these practices can contribute to food-borne illness.
The Stark County Junior Fair is coming. Therefore, the Stark County Health Department announces they will be manning an outreach display at this year’s Stark County Junior Fair on Friday, July 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fairgrounds in Wyoming.
In addition, their staff will also be offering free blood pressure checks, gun locks and other giveaways, and lots of health information while at the Stark County Junior Fair.
This is going to be a great event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting some great information, taking advantage of free giveaways, promotions, maybe some health screenings and just partaking in a pleasant time visiting and talking with the Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare staff.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do you need health Insurance?”
Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at an upcoming local event to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Geneseo Sidewalk Sales Event
Friday, July 25 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Geneseo
“Get Covered Illinois” navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period – SEP. The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a qualifying life event.
A qualifying life event is a life change, such as a loss of health coverage due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other qualifying life events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.
