Power outages require quick action to keep food safe.
How to store food during a power outage
To store food during a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Why temperature control matters
Rising temperatures allow bacteria to grow.
Cold retention slows spoilage.
How long food stays cold
A closed refrigerator stays cold for about 4 hours.
A full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours.
Step-by-step outage food storage method
- Keep doors closed tightly.
- Group foods together for insulation.
- Use ice or freezer packs if available.
- Monitor temperatures when power returns.
- Discard food held above safe temperatures.
Common mistakes
- Opening the fridge repeatedly.
- Refreezing unsafe food.
- Trusting smell alone.
Conclusion
Minimal disturbance and temperature awareness keep food safer during outages.