Keep food safe during power outages

Can a power outage cause problems with my food?

What can I do to protect myself before the power outage begins?

Can I keep food cold?

What if the power outage lasts more than one day?

What if I can't get everything into my ice chest?

Can I store food outside in winter?

Can I tell if food is still safe?

Where can I get more information?

Can a power outage cause problems with my food?

Power outages may mean your refrigerator and stove cannot work. When food is not kept cold or is not fully cooked the food can make you sick. More than 250 diseases can be caused by bacteria found in contaminated raw or undercooked food, such as meat, milk, eggs, fish or shellfish. Proper storage and cooking of these foods can help prevent foodborne illness.

What can I do to protect myself before the power outage begins?

If you know or think that your power will be out for an extended a period of time, use foods that can spoil fast before those that keep longer. Find out now where you can buy dry ice to extend the life of your freezer, or blocks of ice for the refrigerator. Buy an ice chest.

Can I keep food cold?

Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed to keep cold air inside. Freezers that are part of a refrigerator-freezer combination will keep food frozen for up to a day. A free-standing chest or upright freezer will keep food frozen solid for two days if it is fully loaded. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for a day, especially if the food has been grouped together.

What if the power outage lasts more than one day?

An ice chest packed with ice or snow can keep food cold. It is most important to keep meat, seafood and dairy products cold. Buy dry ice from a local ice company to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands or use it on refrigerator foods, it is too cold. Buy block ice from a local ice company or bags of ice at a convenience store and put in your refrigerator - then keep the door closed.

What if I can’t get everything into my ice chest?

It is most important to keep meat, seafood and dairy products cold. In cool weather, other items can be stored in a cardboard box in a garage or shed. Generally, the following items can be kept on a countertop or in the garage:

• Jams and jellies
• Butter and margarine
• Ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish and similar condiments
• Fresh uncut fruit and vegetables

Can I store food outside in winter?

No. The outside temperature varies from hour to hour. The sun may thaw frozen foods or warm refrigerator foods so that they grow bacteria. The outside temperature is not right for both refrigerator and freezer foods. If it is 25 degrees Fahrenheit, it is too cold for refrigerator foods but not cold enough for frozen food. If you store food outside anyway make sure that animals do not contaminate the food.

Can I tell if food is still safe?

If food is cold to touch, and you know it has not been above 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than on hour or two, it is probably safe to keep, use or refreeze. Throw away all meat, seafood, dairy products or cooked food that does not feel cold to the touch. Even under proper refrigeration, many raw foods should be kept only two to three days before they are cooked, frozen or thrown away. If in doubt, throw it out. Never taste suspicious food. It may look and smell fine, but the bacteria that cause foodborne illness may have grown on the food and will make you sick.

Where can I get more information?

Contact the DOH Food Safety Office, or your local health department or the cooperative extension office in your area.

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