Greene County Public Health has some advice to help keep residents safe and healthy while many still have no power and are cleaning up from Monday’s storm.

They advise that if you are using a portable generator make sure it is at least 20 feet outside of your home. Generators should not be used inside the home, due to the amount of carbon monoxide those can quickly accumulate. 

As for food safety during a power outage, the best way to keep refrigerated and freezer foods safe is by keeping the doors closed. By following these guidelines, food will keep up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer. If you have been without power for more than four hours, it is recommended to keep refrigerated food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. 

Another common concern during storm cleanup is chainsaw injuries. It is recommended to review the operator manuals and manufacturer recommendations for safe operation. When using a chainsaw, you should wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and boots that cover the ankle. Other recommendations include avoid working around downed power lines and if a serious injury happens, call 911 immediately.