How to keep your food safe to eat when the power goes out

The food in your refrigerator and freezer wasn't cheap, and you don't want it to go to waste in the storm. But you don't want to risk making your family sick, either.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for keeping food safe during a power outage.

Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance thermometer will indicate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer in case of a power outage and help determine the safety of the food.
Make sure the freezer is at 0 °F (Fahrenheit) or below and the refrigerator is at 40 °F or below.
Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers after the power is out.
Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately-this helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.
Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours. Purchase or make ice cubes and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
Group food together in the freezer—this helps the food stay cold longer.
Once the power goes out, do not let your family open the refrigerator or freezer. The more the door is opened, the quicker food will spoil.

Path of the storm

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Review the plan

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