Before you open your fridge during a power outage, make a strategy

Only open the doors if absolutely necessary! Opening them lets the cold out.

Focus on the fridge first, since that food is most likely to spoil. To keep things cold, consume the entire amount of food you remove from the fridge rather than putting it back.

You might eat some weird combinations, but it’s better to have one strange lunch than lose everything in your refrigerator.

The fridge

If you don’t open it, your fridge will keep your perishable foods safe for four hours after the power goes out.

After four hours, you can put perishable food from your fridge in a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep it below 40°F a bit longer.

Food that stays at or below 40°F is safe to eat.

Winter storm? You’re in luck! Putting your cooler outside will help keep that food under 40° longer.

The freezer

Fully stocked freezers keep food colder longer when the power goes out.

A full, closed freezer will stay a safe temperature for the food inside for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).

What goes bad first?

• cooked leftovers
• fresh meat
• dairy (but not cheese)
• eggs
• cut produce
• delicate produce

What lasts longer?

• hardy produce
• butter
• store-bought bread & crackers
• peanut butter
• jam & honey
• canned food (eat right away after opening)
• jerky
• granola bars & cereal
• nuts, dried fruit, trail mix
• condiments like hot sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, mustard, ketchup

Pro Tip: Consume or share the perishable food in your fridge first!

Tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, bell peppers, radishes, carrots, kale and Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw! (add some vinaigrette)

Preppers win out

• Freeze a half inch of water in a cup, put a quarter on top, & leave it in the freezer. If the power goes out, the water will melt and the quarter won’t be on top. Now you know the food isn’t good anymore!
• Ice packs are essential to keep food cold if the power is out. Stock up!
• If you take medication that needs to stay cold, a generator with electric mini fridge is best.
• Consider investing in a stand-by generator to keep your essential appliances running.