If the power goes out and you have food in your fridge or freezer, it's essential to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the food and minimize potential foodborne illness risks. Here's what you should do:
Keep the doors closed: As soon as the power goes out, try to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. This will help trap the cold air inside and maintain a lower temperature for a longer time.
Check the temperature: If the power outage is brief (a few hours), the refrigerator and freezer should remain cold enough to keep the food safe. However, if you're unsure about the duration of the outage or if it lasts for more than a few hours, it's a good idea to check the internal temperatures with a food thermometer.
- Refrigerator: The temperature inside the refrigerator should ideally be 40°F (4°C) or below to keep perishable food safe.
- Freezer: The temperature inside the freezer should be 0°F (-18°C) or below to keep food frozen and safe for an extended period.
Transfer to a cooler (for the fridge): If the power outage is expected to be prolonged, you can transfer perishable items from the refrigerator to a cooler filled with ice. This will help maintain a safe temperature for a longer time than keeping them in the warm refrigerator.
Avoid opening the doors unnecessarily: Every time you open the refrigerator or freezer door, you let cold air escape, reducing the amount of time the food can remain safe without power. Only open the doors when necessary and do so quickly.
Use a generator (if available): If you have a generator, you can use it to power the fridge and freezer temporarily. However, ensure it's set up safely and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Monitor the time: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that refrigerated food be safe for about 4 hours if the door is kept closed and the fridge is at 40°F (4°C) or below. As for the freezer, a full freezer should keep food safe for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 24 hours.
Discard potentially unsafe food: If the power outage lasts longer than the recommended safe times or if the food has reached a temperature above 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator or above 40°F (4°C) in the freezer, it's best to discard perishable items. When in doubt, throw it out.
Remember, food safety is crucial, and consuming food that has been improperly stored can lead to foodborne illnesses. When in doubt about the safety of the food, it's better to be cautious and discard it.