
11/23/2024
Avoid food poisoning after a power outage.
1. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. This keeps the cold air inside. A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day.
2. If you think the power will be out for a long time, try to find some ice to pack inside your refrigerator, or move perishable food to a cooler with ice packs or frozen items.
3. When the power comes back, if foods have been warm too long (above 40 degrees), they may contain bacteria that could make you sick. They may look or smell fine, but when in doubt, throw it out!
More information: cdc.gov/foodsafety