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Health and Consumer Protection

The Health and Consumer Protection Division is part of the Community Development Department and is responsible for providing regulatory inspections and enforcement of all ordinances, rules and regulations of the Village of Tinley Park as related to consumer protection and public health.

For more information, contact Health and Consumer Protection Officer Malvi Shah at (708) 444-5070 or mshah@tinleypark.org.

How to prepare for and keep your food safe during a power outage
The below tips will help you prepare for a power outage and ensure your food stays safe while the power is out.
 
Preparing for a possible power outage
 
  • Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer 
  • Freeze water
    • Wash containers thoroughly before using
    • Use to keep food cold if the power goes out
    • Use for drinking as it thaws
  • Purchase a generator 
  • Have a cooler
    • This will be used to store food and keep it cold 
  • Freeze refrigerated items that aren’t going to be used immediately
    • Meat
    • Milk and leftovers
What to do during a power outage
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
    • This will keep the food cold 
  • Keep foods close together in the freezer
    • This will help the freezer keep its temperature longer 
  • Place foods in a cooler with frozen ice or gel packs
    • Do this only if the freezer is full
  • Do not place food outside
    • Temperatures can vary
    • Animals might get the food 
  • If it is cold outside:
    • Fill empty containers with water and place outside to freeze
    • Snow and ice can be used in a separate container
    • Use the frozen containers in the refrigerator, freezer or cooler
Preparing food during a power outage
  • Heat foods outdoors
    • Camp stoves
    • Grills
    • Contained fires
Handling food after a power outage
  • Discard refrigerated perishable foods after four hours without power
    • Milk and other dairy products
    • Meat 
  • Check the foods’ temperatures
    • If the temperature is below 40°F, the food should be safe to eat. 
  • Check for ice crystals on foods in the freezer.
    • Food can be refrozen or cooked.
  • Throw out any foods that have:
    • Unusual texture
    • Color
    • Odor 
  • Never taste food to see if it is safe.
When in doubt, throw the food out!  Wasting a few dollars now may save you discomfort, doctor bills or even a hospital stay later.
 
Conclusion
  • Keep an appliance thermometer in both your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed during a power outage.
  • Use a cooler if the temperature rises above 40° F in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Never use camps, stoves or grills indoors to cook food.
  • Discard all foods that have an unusual texture, color, or odor.