Tips on how to keep your food safe during power outages.
Tis the season for bad weather...hurricanes, tornadoes and major thunderstorms can knock out power. To help avoid potential food borne illnesses due to electrical problems, the US Department of Agriculture is making these recommendations: be prepared. Make sure the freezer is at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below and the fridge is at 40 degrees or below...that way the unit will stay cool even without power. Have frozen containers of water on hand to use as ice. Freeze leftovers, fresh meats, even extra milk, so they'll keep at a safe temperature longer and have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated foods cool, if the power is out more than 4 hours. When the power goes out keep refrigerator doors closed, a full freezer stays cool about 48 hours, less if it's not full. Power out for more then a day? Use dry or block ice to stick in your refrigerator and check the temperature of the freezer appliance. If it reads 40 or below the food is safe to refreeze. According to the USDA, bacteria in food grows rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 Fahrenheit. If consumed people can become very sick.
For more information on keeping your food safe visit:
USDA Factsheets: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
