Welcome to our blog!
Dealing with power outages from storms can be a challenging situation. Hurricane Beryl recently hit the Greater Houston area, causing extensive damage and leaving more than 2.5 million customers without power.
Extended power outages can disrupt daily routines and even lead to food spoilage as refrigerators and freezers rely on electricity to function properly.
To help prevent foodborne illnesses during power outages, the CDC offers some useful tips:
- Keep thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer to maintain temperatures (40 degrees or below for the fridge, 0 degrees or below for the freezer).
- Prepare containers of water and gel packs to help keep food cold.
- Have a cooler and frozen gel packs available in case you need to transfer food from the refrigerator.
- Consider purchasing dry ice or block ice to keep food cold if the power outage is expected to last a long time.
During a power outage, remember to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve the cold temperature. Food can remain safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half freezer if the doors remain closed.
If you’re unsure about the safety of your food after a power outage, it is best to follow the “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. Avoid tasting food to check its freshness.
After 4 hours without power, it is recommended to:
- Discard perishable foods like meat, fish, cut fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers.
- Get rid of any items that have an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below.
For more valuable tips on food safety during power outages, visit the CDC website.
Stay safe and informed during storm-related power outages!