Power Outages –Tips about Food Safety

Be Prepared:

• One or two days before a hurricane hits, turn the refrigerator and freezer dial to the coldest temperature.
• Freeze potable water in food-grade containers.
• Have a refrigerator thermometer on hand.

When the Power Goes Out:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• The refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
• If the refrigerator temperature goes above 40˚ F for two hours or more, throw out all perishable foods, e.g. milk, eggs, meat, poultry, leftovers.
• Don’t rely on the smell, appearance, or taste test.

For more information contact the Family and Consumer Sciences section at (561)233-1742.