The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit shared tips to help people keep food and drinking water safe during flooding to prevent illness.
According to health officials, floodwater is never safe to use for drinking or cooking as it can carry silt, sewage, oil, and chemicals that can make food and water unsafe.
Officials said any food that comes into contact with contaminated floodwater should be discarded, even if the packaging appears dry, as water may have seeped in.
If bottled water is unavailable, officials said residents should boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
The health unit said that in private wells, if floodwater reaches or covers a wellhead, it should be assumed the water is not safe to drink, as wells are at higher risk of contamination during floods.
Officials also said a loss of power can cause refrigerated and frozen foods to spoil, and advised people to carefully check before cooking or eating.
Health officials said perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and eggs must be thrown out if stored above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow quickly.
According to officials, municipal water is safe, treated, and continuously monitored, even during power outages or flooding. In case of any concern with water quality, officials said residents will be notified right away.
For more information and safety tips, click here.
