Power Outage Food Safety Guide
Check which food is safe after a power outage — based on USDA guidelines
How Long Has Your Power Been Out?
Key USDA Rules
- Fridge: safe 4 hours if door stays closed
- Full freezer: safe 48 hours
- Half-full freezer: safe 24 hours
- 40F is the danger zone
- 2+ hours above 40F = discard perishables
- Never taste food to check safety
Preparation Tips
- Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge (40F or below)
- Freeze water containers to help keep food cold longer
- Group food together in the freezer for thermal mass
- Have a cooler and ice ready for extended outages
- 50 lbs of dry ice can keep an 18 cu ft freezer cold for 2 days