Food Safety During Power Outages
Be prepared this winter storm season! During a power outage, there may be a lot more on your mind than food safety, but it’s still important.
Before the Storm
During the winter months, it is important to make sure you are using appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer. Have a cooler or two ready, filled with ice or several frozen gel packs. Be prepared by researching where ice bags are available near you.
During the Storm
Once your power goes out, be mindful of time and temperature. Be sure to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. The refrigerator will hold a safe temperature for about four hours. Your freezer, if packed full, will hold food at a safe temperature for about 48 hours with no power. At half full, the time decreases to 24 hours. Food is safe to refreeze if it still has ice crystals or if the freezer did not rise above 40 °F. You can improve the chances that food will remain safe by keeping the doors closed.
After the Storm
Following the storm and when the power is back on, check the temperature inside your freezer and refrigerator. The food in the freezer is safe if the temperature is still 0 ⁰F or below. The food in the refrigerator is safe if the temperature is 40 ⁰F or below. It is important to never taste food to determine its safety.