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Whether you live in an area that’s prone to thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, or any other number of natural disasters, if the power goes out, we all have the same questions: How long can we still eat the food in the refrigerator or freezer, and what should we keep or pitch after the power comes back on?
Here’s a guide to help you both monitor and know what to do with food when there’s no electricity.
The Proper Refrigerator Temperature
You should be prepared for a power outage, including setting the refrigerator to the proper temperature and being able to monitor it even when there’s no power. It should be set to 35 to 38°F; it’s worth investing in a refrigerator thermometer so you know exactly what the temperature inside is at all times.
How Long Refrigerated Food Is Safe to Eat
If the power goes out, keep track of how long it’s out. Keep the door to the refrigerator closed as much as possible, and remember that full refrigerators stay colder longer than emptier ones. Food stored in the refrigerator is still safe to eat if the power is out for no more than four hours, according to FoodSafety.gov.
What Happens After Four Hours?
When these four hours are up and the power’s still out, you need to start to monitor the temperature inside the refrigerator. Once the temperature inside reaches 40°F or higher, perishable food is only good for two more hours before you should pitch it. Here’s what to keep and what to throw out:
The Proper Freezer Temperature
Just like with the refrigerator, there’s an ideal temperature for the freezer, too. Keep it at 0°F, and invest in a freezer thermometer so you can monitor its temperature.
How Long Frozen Food Is Safe to Eat
Knowing what to keep in the freezer is a lot easier than the refrigerator. Basically, you just want foods, no matter what kind, to stay frozen!