Keeping Food Safe During a Power Outage
Power outages can happen unexpectedly, so it’s important to know how to protect your food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Follow these USDA recommendations to help keep your food safe before, during, and after a power outage.
Before a Power Outage
- Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Freeze fresh meat, poultry, and other perishable items that you do not plan to use right away.
- Set your freezer to 0°F or below.
- Group frozen foods together to help them stay colder longer.
- If an extended outage is expected, purchase dry ice or block ice to help keep your refrigerator and freezer cold.
During a Power Outage
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
If the doors remain closed:
- A full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours.
- A refrigerator can keep food safe for up to 4 hours.
After a Power Outage
- Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and freezer.
- If food has remained at a safe temperature, it should still be safe to eat.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Consuming food that has reached unsafe temperatures can increase the risk of illness.
Foods to Discard After an Extended Power Outage
The following foods should be thrown away if they have been exposed to unsafe temperatures:
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products
- Cut, cooked, or sliced fruits and vegetables
- Eggs and egg products
- Soft cheeses and shredded cheeses
- Opened baby formula
- Dough and cooked pasta
Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent food waste and keep your family safe during and after a power outage.
The content of this article is republished with permission from our friends at Carolina Country, the magazine of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives.
The “Quarter in a Frozen Cup of Water” Trick
The “quarter in a frozen cup of water” trick is an easy way to tell if food in your freezer may have thawed during a power outage.
How to do it:
- Freeze a cup of water until solid.
- Place a quarter on top of the ice.
- Leave the cup in your freezer.
What the quarter tells you:
- On top: The ice stayed frozen and your food likely remained safe.
- In the middle: The ice partially melted and refroze, so check food items carefully.
- At the bottom: The ice completely melted and refroze, indicating the freezer lost power for an extended period. Food should be discarded.
