Power Outage: Refrigerator and Freezer Food Safety

Power Outage Food Safety Guide

During power outages, keeping food safe requires proper handling and knowing when to discard potentially spoiled items.

During the Outage

Keep Doors Closed

• Refrigerator: Keeps food cold about 4 hours if unopened
• Full freezer: Maintains temperature about 48 hours
• Half-full freezer: About 24 hours

Use Thermometers

Appliance thermometers help you know exact temperatures when power returns. The refrigerator should be at 40°F or below; freezer at 0°F or below.

Consider Ice

• Add bags of ice to refrigerator if outage may be extended
• Dry ice can keep freezer frozen longer (handle carefully)
• Group frozen items together for better cold retention

When Power Returns

Refrigerator Items (Above 40°F for 2+ Hours)

Discard: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, soft cheeses, cut fruits/vegetables, opened baby formula, cooked foods

Usually Safe: Hard cheeses, butter, fresh uncut fruits/vegetables, condiments, bread

Freezer Items

Still has ice crystals or at 40°F or below: Safe to refreeze (quality may suffer)

Thawed and above 40°F: Cook immediately or discard

When in Doubt

If you're unsure whether food is safe, throw it out. The risk of foodborne illness isn't worth the cost of the food.