Summerland power outage to last until at least 2 p.m.

SUMMERLAND – A power outage has been affecting the majority of Summerland residents since earlier this morning and Fortis B.C. says it will be at least 2 p.m. before power is restored.

Fortis B.C. says crews are busy on site and were inspecting a problem with a transformer on the feed to the city.

Interior Health says food safety following a power outage is important and notes if the power has been out in your home the food in your fridge or freezer may no longer be safe to eat. 

A refrigerator should remain at four degrees Celsius or more while food in the freezer should remain frozen solid. Without power a fridge can keep food cool for up to four hours and, if left closed, a freezer can keep food without spoiling for a few days. 

If milk or other dairy product have spoiled or gone sour the fridge was likely without power and all food should be discarded. Ice cream that has thawed and refrozen is a good indicator the freezer was without power as well. Frozen foods that have thawed should not be refrozen.

If there is extended power outage, it may be necessary to contact your insurance provider. Make a list of spoiled items and photograph them for insurance purposes.

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