Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after the loss of power. Find out what you can do to keep food safe during a power outage, and when you need to throw away food that could make you sick.
Prepare Before the Power Goes Out
Freeze water bottles to help keep your fridge and freezer cool during an outage. Use appliance thermometers to monitor the temperature inside.
During the Power Outage
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to retain cold air. If possible, use coolers with ice to keep perishables safe.
After Power is Restored
If food has been above 40°F for more than 4 hours, it is no longer safe to eat. Discard perishable items to prevent illness. Never taste food to check if it’s safe.
For more detailed food safety tips, read the full guidelines here.