Broadcaster Press 3 March 19, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Power Outages And Bill Will Allow Allow Schools Food In Your Freezer To Carry Opioid Antidotes By Joan Hegerfeld-Baker Former SDSU Extension Food Safety Specialist South Dakota is no stranger to power outages and power surges due to blizzards, ice storms and related weather conditions. If the power in your area of the state has experienced intermittent or complete loss of electrical power, or power surges, check all freezers occasionally to be sure they work properly. To prevent freezers from shutting-off it is best to plug the freezer into a dedicated outlet that is not connected to a circuit protected by a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) device as GFI’s are easily tripped by power surges, shutting off power to the freezer. Plan ahead. It is important to take a few precautions to ensure against food loss in case of a power or mechanical failure or other possible problems. If an extended power failure is anticipated, reduce freezer temperature to -10°F or -20°F. The colder the food, the longer it takes to thaw. Wait to open your freezer. If power is lost, wait until power is restored before opening the freezer door. Each time the door is opened, the interior temperature increases 3x therefore decreasing the time foods will remain safe without power. In most cases, food in a full freezer will stay frozen approximately two days. Food in a freezer that is half full may stay frozen up to one day. A freezer full of meat will remain colder longer than a freezer full of baked food. Inspect your freezer and food closely. If food is safe to eat, it is safe to refreeze. When you find that the freezer is off, check the temperature in two or three locations. Then, take a look at the packages of food. If foods still contain ice crystals and/or if the freezer is 40°F or lower and has been at that temperature no longer than one to two days, food that was safe when it was originally frozen should still be safe. It can be refrozen or cooked and eaten. Food held at 40°F or higher should be examined more closely. If the color or odor of thawed beef, pork, lamb or poultry is poor or questionable and you are not certain of the amount of time the food was at 40°F for higher discard the meat. If questionable food is consumed, the result may be food borne illness. It is difficult to tell by the odor whether vegetables, shell- fish and cooked foods are spoiled. Bacteria multiply rapidly in these foods, so do not eat or refreeze any that have thawed completely. Don't re-freeze completely thawed foods. As a general rule, completely thawed foods should not be refrozen. If ice crystals remain in foods, it’s safe to refreeze them. The texture will be compromised, nutritional value may be lower, and flavor and color will not be top quality. If refreezing food, do so quickly to retain the best quality, refreeze food quickly. For more in-depth information for food safety when the power goes out, refer to the USDA publication Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies: Power Outages, Floods and Fires. This is an excellent publication addressing many specific types of foods as well as how to adequately clean and refresh refrigerators and freezers. Food Safety Questions? For specific food safety questions contact one of the following: •AnswerLine: 1-888393-6336 (South Dakota residents) •USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). “Energizing Our Cooperative Future” ...the Value A bill that allows trained staff at schools to administer opioid antidotes in case of an overdose has been signed by Gov. Kristi Noem. Noem today has also signed: •HB1080 – An act to increase the property tax exemption allowed for certain veterans with a disability and the surviving spouses of certain veterans with a disability •HB1081 – An act to authorize certain paraplegic or amputee veterans or their surviving spouses to retain a property tax exemption without having to reapply each year •HB1122 – An act to revise references to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing •HB1176 – An act to provide for the regulation of saline tattoo removal by municipalities •HB1215 – An act to revise provisions regarding the posting of county and municipality ordinances •HB1242 – An act to include opossums within the definition of predator and to declare an emergency •SB40 – An act to authorize the transfer of certain real property to the Animal Industry Board •SB43 – An act to redirect funding to a collaborative program in rural veterinary medical education and to provide tax revenue for the support of veterinary students •SB45 – An act to revise the provisions regarding the filing of a statement of additional issues on appeal in certain contested cases •SB 53 – An act to authorize certain retailers to offer quantity discounts or cash discounts for the purchase of alcoholic beverages •SB63 – An act to increase the penalty for a subsequent conviction for trespass to hunt, fish, or trap •SB75 – An act to revise certain provisions regarding who is eligible to serve as a candidate in the event of a vacancy •SB77 – An act to revise provisions regarding candidates running for office •SB78 – An act to exempt certain medical providers from licensure •SB84 – An act to authorize the possession and administration of opioid antagonists by school district and nonpublic school personnel, and to declare an emergency •SB85 – An act to revise the deadline for the Department of Health's annual report regarding abortions •SB90 – An act to revise provisions regarding certain financial interest statements filed by persons elected to state or local office •SB92 – An act to revise certain provisions regarding the signature requirements for municipal elections •SB98 – An act to repeal the sunset of a wine manufacturer license •SB114 – An act to attribute campaign contributions by certain minors to their parents •SB121 – An act to revise certain provisions regarding manufacturers' warranties for motor vehicles to include all-terrain vehicles •SB129 – An act to exempt motor vehicles owned by licensed ambulance services from certain motor vehicle registration fees •SB143 – An act to revise visitation rights of a person causing conception by rape or incest •SB163 – An act to revise certain provisions regarding jury lists All Members Welcome! aGrand prize of $200 & all members registering will receive a $25 bill credit* a$500 scholarship drawing for Member/Student participation at meeting. (must be a member) aMeeting will feature reports on finances, work activities and election of board directors for District #4 & #5. 1410 E. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 605-624-2673 *Bill credit is one per membership clayunionelectric.coop * visit us on facebook 83rd Annual Meeting Wakonda School Gym Registration & Meal: 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2019 For Your Classified! 605-624-4429 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION APRIL 7, 2019 • FROM 2:00-5:00PM OPEN HOUSE The Bridges at Beresford Golf Course and Event Center 601 South 7th Street • Beresford, SD 57004 Celebrating a December 28, 1968 Wedding No Gifts please. Your presence would be deeply appreciated as the Charrlin family would love to have you join them in celebration of this blessed milestone! Vermillion Lions Club FUNDRAISING MEAL Proceeds support local eye screening, exams and glasses; hearing aids; diabetes prevention and treatment; youth needs and activities. Meal includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, choice of drink. Chocolate chip pancakes too! WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY MARCH 20-21, 2019 at the National Guard Armory by Lions Park Wednesday 5:00 to 7:00pm and Thursday 11:00am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 7:00pm Advance tickets available at Vermillion Vision, Pressing Matters, Prairie Eye Clinic, and Herren Schempp Building Supply. Advance ticket $5. At the door $6. Kids 5 and under FREE! Meeting: 6:15 p.m. Childrens Activities provided by FCCLA during meeting