Follow these tips from the Food and Drug Administration to keep your food safe:
If the Power Goes Out
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
- Use ice
- Do not rely on placing food outdoors. Temperatures can vary, especially if sunlight reaches the food even while temperatures remain low.
When Power is Restored
- If the power was out for no more than 4 hours.
- Discard any perishable food
- If the freezer thermometer reads 40 degrees F or belowcheck each package
If a storm is coming, be prepared and plan ahead
- Use a refrigerator and freezer thermometer40 degrees Fzero degrees F
- Plan for ice.
- Keep coolers on hand
- Freeze refrigerated itemsgroup foods close together
- Stock your pantry
And remember, there are some serious risks to storing food outside.
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