The Pike County Health Department issued a consumer advisory concerning protection of frozen or refrigerated foods in residential freezers, noting four days was the maximum time one could hope to salvage their food.
Modern refrigerators will maintain safe food temperatures without electrical power for two to four hours if kept closed, after which anything containing meat, eggs or milk that can’t be fully cooked must be discarded to avoid foodborne illnesses. The health department says freezers, depending on size and whether full or partially full, will maintain foods safely for two to four days. If power is restored during this time period, officials say move the thawing food to the refrigerator and use promptly. If electricity is not restored, use only ready-to-eat foods or those which can be cooked immediately.
“Our families have not only suffered without heat and water in most cases, but now find that the food they have purchased and stored for the holidays is slowly ruining,” said W.Va. Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin, while announcing a plea to Gov. Joe Manchin and other government officials to assist those facing additional food bills.
With 25,000 jobs lost during the recession, and a high poverty rate, West Virginia is abundant with citizens who struggle to keep food in their refrigerator at any time.
Asserting a state of emergency exists in Mingo, McDowell, Mercer, Wayne and other parts of southern West Virginia, Chafin siad food spoilage is another major problem for citizens trying to keep water and stay warm. By calling on Gov. Manchin and Emergency Services Director Jimmy Joe Gianato, Chafin said he hopes to aid the citizens in southern West Virginia by establishing food banks as well as emergency heaters, blankets and other supplies until power is restored.
Offering a boost to morale, Chafins said, “As West Virginians, our holiday spirit has not ceased, and with all of the previously mentioned efforts, we will prevail.”
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