A power outage can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, especially when it comes to food safety. When the power goes out, it’s important to take steps to protect your food supply to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some key tips for keeping your food safe during a power outage:
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. This will help to maintain the temperature inside the appliances and prevent spoilage. The refrigerator should be able to keep food safe for up to 4 hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, while a partially filled freezer will last 24 hours.
- If the power outage is expected to last longer than 4 hours, consider moving food to a cooler with ice or to a secondary freezer.
- Check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer with a food thermometer. If the temperature inside the refrigerator has risen to above 40°F, discard any perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs. If the temperature inside the freezer has risen above 40°F, discard any ice cream, frozen fruits and vegetables, and any frozen items that have been partially thawed and then refrozen.
- Do not taste food to determine if it is safe. Food may look and smell fine, but it could still be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
- Consider eating perishable foods first, such as those in the refrigerator, and then focus on the frozen foods in the freezer.
- If the power is expected to be out for an extended period of time, it may be best to discard all perishable food in the refrigerator and freezer to be on the safe side.
In conclusion, a power outage can be a stressful situation, but by following these steps, you can protect your food supply and prevent foodborne illness. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety, and if in doubt, it’s best to throw it out. Find more information here.