Food Safety During a Power Outage:If the power goes out for up to two hours, the food in both your fridge and freezer should remain safe to eat. During the outage, try not to open the refrigerator or freezer doors to help keep the temperature low. If the outage extends beyond two hours, follow these instructions:For the Freezer: A partially filled freezer can keep food safe for up to 24 hours, while a fully stocked freezer can maintain safety for 48 hours. Avoid opening the freezer door unless absolutely necessary.For the Refrigerator: Transfer milk, dairy items, meats, fish, eggs, gravies, and any perishable leftovers into a cooler with ice. Inexpensive styrofoam coolers work well for this.Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check the food's temperature before eating or cooking. Discard any food that exceeds 40°F.To summarize, the essential aspects of food safety during a power outage include:A - Always ensure meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are kept at 40°F or below in the refrigerator and frozen foods at 0°F or below. With the power out, this can be challenging, so keep doors shut to preserve the cold. A closed refrigerator can maintain safe temperatures for about four hours, and a full freezer can do so for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). Acquire dry or block ice to help maintain cold temperatures if the power outage is prolonged. Approximately fifty pounds of dry ice can keep an 18-cubic-foot full freezer cold for two days. Plan ahead and identify where you can purchase dry or block ice.B - Be ready for emergencies by stocking up on non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold or cooked on an outdoor grill. Your emergency supplies should include shelf-stable food, boxed or canned milk, water, and canned goods. Ensure you have ready-to-use formula for infants and pet food. Regularly use and restock these items. Don’t forget to have a manual can opener available.C - Consider pre-planning for safe food storage during emergencies. If your area is prone to flooding, store food on high shelves away from possible contamination. Coolers can be invaluable if the power is out for over four hours, so keep a few along with frozen gel packs. If your freezer isn’t full, group items together to help maintain cold temperatures longer.D - Digital, dial, or instant-read food thermometers, along with appliance thermometers, are essential for monitoring food safety. Always keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. They will accurately show the temperature even during a power outage. The refrigerator should be at 40°F or below, and the freezer at 0°F or lower. If you doubt the safety of any food, use a food thermometer to check its temperature.
