The DGS issued a set of recommendations on Thursday evening following the storm that affected several regions of the country in the early hours of Wednesday, causing power outages that persist in some areas, which could compromise the quality of drinking water and food safety.

“Situations like this impact the safety of food stored in refrigerators and freezers, as well as water quality, especially in areas where the supply depends on electrical systems,” the statement warns.

To reduce these risks, the health authority calls for the adoption of preventive measures and safe behaviours, such as avoiding using water from sources not connected to the public supply network, including wells or mines, as they may be contaminated.

The DGS advises the public not to drink tap water, wash food, or brush their teeth with it unless there is official confirmation of its safety, and to use bottled water whenever possible.

“If you don’t have bottled water, boil the water for 10 minutes before using it or disinfect it with bleach without dyes, detergents, or perfumes (about 2 drops per litre of water),” it recommends, also advising the public to wash their hands thoroughly before handling treated water or food.

Regarding sanitation, the authority recommends that, whenever possible, toilets continue to be used; however, used water should not be discharged if the network is inoperative.

Wastewater, such as that from washing, should not be discharged into soil or streams, and household waste and sanitary waste should also be kept away from any water sources.

Regarding food, the DGS states that if the refrigerator power outage did not exceed 12 hours, the food may have remained safe for consumption.

In the case of vegetables and fruit, such as carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, oranges or lemons, these may remain safe even beyond that period.

Freezers can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, or 24 hours if they are only half full, provided the door remains closed.

According to the DGS (Directorate-General of Health), food that, after the power is restored, still shows ice crystals or remains cold as if it were refrigerated can, in most cases, be cooked or refrozen.

“Food that was stored in the refrigerator or freezer during the power outage should be consumed or cooked as quickly as possible and cooked using methods that reach high temperatures (greater than 75°C),” it emphasises.

The DGS advises the public to assess the signs of food spoilage, not to taste food to check if it is good, and to discard any food with an unusual smell, colour, or texture.

The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health (DGS) also advises the public to stay safe during storms, such as "not crossing flooded areas on foot or by car," because the waters can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear, and to avoid direct contact with floodwaters.

Other recommendations from DGS include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have been in contact with floodwater, wearing waterproof gloves and boots during cleaning, not handling electrical appliances while there is standing water inside the house, and removing standing water and damp materials whenever possible to reduce the risk of mould.

It also urges the public to avoid areas with unstable trees or damaged structures, to keep flashlights and batteries readily available, to follow authorities’ instructions, and to seek shelter in safe places.