Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

Did you know a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food?  Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Q: Some of the food in my freezer started to thaw or had thawed when the power came back on.  Is the food safe?  How long will the food in the refrigerator be safe with the power off?

1. Never taste food to determine its safety!  You will have to evaluate each item separately.  If the appliance thermometer stored in the freezer reads 40 degrees or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.  If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine safety.  Remember you can't rely on appearance or color.  If the food contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees or below, it is safe to refreeze.  Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as power is out no more than 4 hours.  Keep the door closed as much as possible.  Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees for 2 hours.