06/19/2026
Steps to take during a power outage
👉Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
👉If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe up to: 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
👉If the power has been out for 4 hours, and a cooler and ice are available, put refrigerated perishable foods in the cooler. To keep them at 40°F or below, add ice or a cold source like frozen gel packs.
Steps to take after a power outage
👉Never taste food to know if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
👉Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers) after 4 hours without power or without a cold source like ice. Throw out any food with an unusual smell, color, or texture.
👉If you have an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator, check to see if it is still at 40 °F or below.
👉Check temperatures of food kept in coolers or your refrigerator with an added cold source. Throw out food that has thawed or is above 40°.
👉You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html
