Without electricity or a cold source, food stored in refrigerators and freezers can become unsafe. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, and if these foods are consumed you can become very sick. Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.” It can be re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Do:

• Keep food in covered containers.

• Keep cooking and eating utensils clean.

• Discard any food that has come into contact with contaminated flood water.

• Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more.

• Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

• Use ready-to-feed formula. If you must mix infant formula use bottled water, or boiled as a last resort.

Don’t:

• Eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented or corroded, even though the product may look safe to eat.

• Eat any food that looks or smells abnormal, even if the can looks normal.

• Let garbage accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons.

Note: Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.” It can be re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Alternative cooking sources can be used in times of emergency including candle warmers, chafing dishes, fondue pots or a fireplace. Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only. Commercially canned food may be eaten out of the can without warming.

To heat food in a can:

1. Remove the label.
2. Thoroughly wash and disinfect the can. (Use a diluted solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.)
3. Open the can before heating

Be Prepared:

• Have a refrigerator thermometer.
• Know where you can get dry ice.
• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods on hand that do not require cooking or cooling.

When the Power Goes Out:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
• Refrigerated or frozen foods should be kept at 40° F or below for proper food storage.

Once the Power is Restored:

• Use a refrigerator thermometer to check temperature.
• Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
• Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40° F for two hours or more.

Using Dry Ice:

• Know where you can get dry ice prior to a power outage.

• Twenty-five pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days.

• If you use dry ice to keep your food cold, make sure it does not come in direct contact with the food.

• Use care when handling dry ice, wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury.

For more information about food safety during an emergency, visit FoodSafety.gov.