Dealing with Power Outages After a Storm
When a storm like Hurricane Beryl hits, power outages are a common occurrence. The Greater Houston area was no exception, with over 2.5 million customers left without power in its wake. Extended power outages can disrupt daily life and pose additional challenges.
One major concern during power outages is food safety. Refrigerators and freezers require electricity to function properly, meaning that food stored in them can go bad if the power is out for an extended period of time. To avoid foodborne illness and safely navigate post-storm challenges, the CDC offers some helpful tips:
- Keep thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer to ensure they stay at proper temperatures (40 degrees or below for the refrigerator, 0 degrees or below for the freezer).
- Prepare by freezing containers of water and gel packs in advance to help maintain cold temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Have a cooler and frozen gel packs on hand in case you need to transfer food from the refrigerator to keep it cold.
- Consider purchasing dry ice or block ice to keep food cold if the power outage is expected to last a long time.
Furthermore, there are steps you can take once the power goes out to preserve your food:
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures.
- Food can remain safe in a refrigerator for up to 4 hours, a full freezer for 48 hours, and a half freezer for 24 hours if the doors remain closed.
- If available, transfer refrigerated perishable items to a cooler after 4 hours without power.
Remember, when in doubt, it’s best to throw it out. If the power has been out for an extended period, follow these guidelines:
- Discard perishable foods like meat, fish, cut fruits, and vegetables, as well as eggs, milk, and leftovers.
- Dispose of anything with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below.
For more food safety tips during power outages, visit the CDC’s website here.
For additional assistance and resources in dealing with power outages after a storm, please fill out the form below: