AUGUSTA, Maine — Editors note: the attached video was published on Dec. 20.
The deadly storm that ravaged Maine on Monday flooded several homes across the state and caused thousands to lose power, and many to lose food supplies.
Thursday afternoon Gov. Janet Mills' team sent out a press release advising recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to report any food loss to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
On Friday, DHHS announced those who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage, flooding, or other storm-related events have until Jan. 18 to fill out a form on their website to receive reimbursement benefits.
To fill out a form, click here and email the completed form to Farmington.dhhs@maine.gov. Paper forms are also available at local DHHS offices.
“The replacement benefit amount is the lesser of the total value of the food purchased with SNAP that was lost, or one month’s benefit,” the release states.
Mainers with immediate needs related to the storm can also contact General Assistance (GA) by clicking here or calling 1-800-442-6003.
Food Safety Tips
If you have lost power and aren’t sure if your food is safe to eat, the Maine Centers for Disease Control is reminding people to follow some guidelines to avoid foodborne illnesses. Perishable food or beverages that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more should be thrown away. Any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture should also be discarded.
(A list from Mills, MEMA, and Maine DHHS)
- Keep an appliance thermometer in the fridge or freezer at all times to monitor that refrigerated food remains at 40 degrees or less and food in the freezer remains at 0 degrees or less.
- Leave your freezer door closed as much as possible, to avoid cold air escaping. A full freezer should keep food safe for two days and a half-full freezer should keep food safe for about a day.
- You can add bags of ice or dry ice to the freezer. (You can safely refreeze thawed food if it contains ice crystals or feels cold and solid to the touch).
- Refrigerated foods should be okay to eat as long as the power hasn’t been out for more than 6 hours. (Pay attention to color, texture, and odor. “When in doubt, throw it out”).
- Never taste food to determine if it is safe, even if it looks and smells fine. If it has been at room temperature for more than two hours, bacteria can multiply rapidly and make you sick if consumed.
For those using a generator to keep their power on, the CDC is asking you to use caution.
“With power outages continuing across the state and temperatures dropping, it’s imperative to keep safe through proper use of generators and minding food safety standards,” Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va said. “Never run a generator inside, even if doors and windows are open, and keep an eye on food temperatures. If you need a place to get warm, charge up devices, get a shower, or a hot cup of coffee, please visit one of the warming centers and check on your friends and neighbors who may benefit from some time in a safe, warm space.”
If you have an emergency call 911. Or if you need help finding a warming station, or access to food, dial 211, or text your zip code to 898211.