Food Safety Tips During a Power Outage

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Food Safety Tips During a Power Outage

Here are some food safety tips to prepare for power outages

  • Get Appliance Thermometers and place in your refrigerator and freezer.  Your freezer temperature should be at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator should be at or below 40 °F
  • Freeze ziploc bags of water and place in the freezer.  This has a double purpose.  The first is to help in keeping the temperature in your freezer lower and you can use the water for drinking once it defrosts.
  • Freeze any items that are currently in your refrigerator including milk, meat, butter, leftovers, etc.  This will preserve them that much longer if the power goes out.
  • Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated foods cold longer if the power goes out for more then 4 hours
  • Have a supply of bottled water stored safely.

If the Power Goes Out

  • Be sure to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • If your freezer is full, the temperature will remain at safe levels for approximately 48 hours.  If the freezer is half full it will remain at the proper temperature for approximately 24 hours.
  • Food that is above 40 °F for 2 hours or more must be discarded

Be sure to check the FDA Website for even more important Food Safety Tips.