Bomb cyclone batters B.C. coast, leaving tens of thousands without power: How to stay safe in a storm, how long food lasts during a power outage & more questions answered

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Bomb cyclones might not be a weather event that happen often, but like other major storms, it's important to take necessary steps to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. From learning about food safety amid power outages to updating a home emergency supply kit, there are many things you can do ensure the storm's impacts are as minimal as possible.

From Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, a bomb cyclone battered the West Coast, leaving tens of thousands without power in British Columbia and at least one person dead in the United States. On Vancouver Island, where most Canadians were impacted by the storm, gusts of nearly 160 km/h were reportedly recorded, bringing down many trees and power lines.

As many people near the Pacific Ocean grapple with the effects of an intense storm, read more below about what to do to prepare for similar emergencies.

What is a bomb cyclone?

While it might be a scary-sounding weather term, people have been using the term "bomb cyclone" for decades to refer to what meteorologists might call bombogenesis. It's essentially the rapid intensification of a cyclone in a short period of time, creating a long-lasting, wide-spread wind event.

A bomb cyclone can occur when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, which can happen over the ocean. When it comes to measuring and classifying a bomb cyclone, there typically must be a quick drop in pressure. Most often, a storm will be called a bomb cyclone if it decreases 24 millibars or more in 24 hours or less.

How long will food last in the fridge during a power outage?

Power outages can be common occurrences amid big storms. While that might lead to nuisances like losing access to your electronics and sitting around in the dark, it's important to also think about potential health impacts, particularly around food safety.

Lawrence Goodridge, the Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics, tells Yahoo Canada you don't want to be opening your fridge or freezer all the time if there's a power outage. If you're not constantly opening your fridge door, he says your food should last around four hours without power.

"After four hours, all perishable foods should be discarded, so that would include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leftovers," he says. When it comes to freezers, he notes a freezer full of food will keep those items safe for roughly 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will keep food for around 24 hours.

"One can gain a bit more time for their foods in the fridge if they immediately put it into the freezer. But again, you don't want to be opening the freezer too often."

Overall, food safety during power outages is more about how long products are sitting in what's called the "danger zone," Goodridge, who's also the director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph, says. "That's between four degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius. ... In a power outage, the temperature of a fridge will increase and get into that danger zone."

Health Canada notes your fridge should be kept at or below 4°C (40°F). On the other hand, your freezer should be set at or below -18°C (0°F).

Can your food be saved after a power outage?

When it comes to saving food that might've been impacted by a power outage, it depends on the product. "Any food that's frozen can be saved as long as it hasn't thawed," Goodridge says. "If you have frozen meat and it's frozen but it thaws out, you've got to discard that."

Of course, unopened canned foods or other products stored at room temperature will be fine. Otherwise, if you're able to get bags of ice regularly, you can extend the shelf life of perishable foods by putting those ice packs in the freezer or transferring everything to a cooler.

If any food has an unusual colour or odour, you should throw it away, according to Health Canada. Goodridge adds that no one should be tasting food to check if it's safe to eat. "Food can look perfectly fine and smell perfectly fine and taste perfectly fine but still make you sick," he notes. "The number of bacteria, like salmonella, E. coli and listeria, that are required to make people sick are quite low. When in doubt, throw it out."

What should you prepare ahead of a major storm?

It's difficult to know exactly how long you may experience the impacts of a storm. One of the best ways to protect you and your loved ones before one hits is by having at least three days worth of emergency supplies available, according to the Canadian Red Cross.

This should include drinking water, non-perishable food, medications, cash and a portable radio. However, your emergency supplies kit should also be tailored to your household needs. For instance, you may also need to package baby items, pet food or other personal items.

Additionally, it's a good idea to create an emergency plan with your household, which includes making sure everyone knows your evacuation plans and where to find your emergency supplies kit. Also consider preparing things like backup power, flashlights, having at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle and knowing where to get more information if your power goes out.

What should you do during a major storm and power outage?

During a power outage, it's best to first start assessing the situation. For starters, check to see if it's only your home that's impacted. If your neighbours are also out of power, contact your power or hydro company. Then, monitor the news and limit the use of your electronics, particularly your cellphone, if you're unable to recharge them.

It's also best to turn off all tools, appliances and other electronic equipment, as well as turning down your thermostat to prevent power surge damage when your electricity gets restored.

Finally, start getting ready to hunker down and avoid putting your household in dangerous situations. That includes opting for flashlights over candles, avoiding unnecessary travel outside and never using things like charcoal or gas barbecues and camping equipment indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

What should you do after a major storm and power outage?

After the major effects of a storm are over, the federal government indicates it's best to give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting things, and to first turn up your thermostats. Then, reconnect your tools and appliances, and ensure your hot water heater is filled before turning on the power.

Finally, ensure you follow food safety rules, avoid touching electrical power lines and restock your emergency supplies kit so you'll be prepared for any more storms in the future.

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