Food Safety Preparedness for Winter Storm Power Outages

Winter storms can cause power loss and are a threat to the electrical grid when snow and ice build up on power lines when the added weight causes wires and poles to break. Likewise, tree limbs also become heavy with snow and ice causing them to break and fall into power lines.
When your home loses power, one of your first concerns should be any perishable food on hand. A power outage is not only a nuisance, but can make some foods in the freezer and refrigerator unsafe to eat.

Food can only last for just a few hours when the power goes out. Knowing how to keep food safe before a loss of power – and to determine if food is safe after a loss of power – will help minimize the loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Food Safety for Power Outages – Actions Before/During/After

Making plans now for a potential power outage can make riding out a prolonged power outage safer, more comfortable, and prevent food illness.

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FDA Video: Food Safety During Power Outages

Food Storage When Power Comes Back On –  What Should I Do?

IMPORTANT: NEVER taste food to determine its safety.

Freezer Section/Foods

When the freezer is operating again, use these guidelines to decide what to do with foods that were stored in the freezer:

• If ice crystals are still visible and/or the food feels as cold as if refrigerated (40° F or below), it is safe to refreeze.
  • Raw meats and poultry, cheese, juices, breads and pastries can be refrozen without losing a lot of quality.
  • Prepared foods, fish, vegetables and fruits can be refrozen safely, but quality may suffer. Mark these to be used as soon as possible. Remember that seafood will be among the first to thaw and will need attention first. Also, ground meat is likely to spoil before other meats.
• If the food thawed and has not been above 40^o F for more than 2 hours, cook and serve or refreeze.
• If the food thawed or was held above 40^o F for more than 2 hours, generally it should be discarded because bacteria may multiply to unsafe levels under these conditions. The only foods that can be refrozen under these conditions are well-wrapped hard cheeses, butter and margarine, breads and pastries without custard fillings, fruits and fruit juices that look and smell acceptable.
• Vegetables held above 40^o F for less than 6 hours may be refrozen with quality loss.
• Pecans and other nuts may be refrozen safely but may suffer quality loss.

Refrigerator Section/Foods

When the refrigerator is operating again, use these guidelines to decide what to do with foods that were stored in the refrigerator:

• Throw away leftovers and perishable foods that have been held above 40^o F for more than 2 hours, including meats, poultry, fish, seafood, lunch meats, hot dogs, milk, cream, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, soy milk and eggs.
• Hard cheese and processed cheese will be okay.
• Well-wrapped butter and margarine can usually be kept as long as they do not melt; discard if rancid odors develop.
• Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, relishes, piquant sauce, oil and vinegar-based salad dressings, Worcestershire sauce and steak sauces should be fine. The acid in them is a natural preservative. Jams, jellies, preserves and syrups are all right, too, because sugar is a preservative. Check for mold growth. Discard opened mayonnaise, horseradish and tartar sauce if held above 50^o  F for more than 8 hours.
• Discard milk, cream, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, soy milk and eggs if held above 40^o F for more than 2 hours.
• Whole fresh fruit, dried fruits, opened fruit juices and fresh vegetables are safe as long as they’re still firm and there’s no evidence of mold, a yeasty smell or sliminess, but discard cut fruits; precut, prewashed packaged greens and opened vegetable juices if held above 40^o F for more than 2 hours.
• Nuts and peanut butter also are safe.

Prepare a Disaster Kit

A good way to start your planning for a power outage is to put together an emergency kit. Try to include the following list of items to help you prepare your kit:

• Water – stock up on bottled water for consumption
• Food – have at least enough for 3 to 7 days that includes non-perishable packaged or canned foods, juices, foods for infants or the elderly, and snack foods
• Utensils – include a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates, and plastic utensils
• Blankets, pillows, and warm clothing items
• First aid kit, medicine, and prescription drugs
• Toiletries, hygiene items, moist towelettes
• Flashlight and batteries – be sure to include extra batteries
• Radio and clock – use battery-operated radios and clocks; also consider purchasing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio
• Telephone – keep cell phone chargers (wall, car, and/or solar) on hand and, if you have a landline, a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Emergency numbers – keep a list of emergency telephone numbers, including the local utility company
• Cash and credit cards
• Important documents
• Tools – keep a set in your kit; can include duct tape, screw drivers, pliers, safety goggles, etc.
• Toys, books, and games
• Pet-care items
• Supplies for alternate heating methods you may have, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove

If your power goes out due to a winter storm, you might be in for a prolonged power outage as crews work through the harsh weather to get your power back on. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you contact your power provider as soon as you can so they know you have lost power. Other actions you can take to stay safe and comfortable are:

• Stay inside and dress warm in layered clothing.
• Close off unneeded rooms.
• When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Place a rolled-up rug or heavy towel in front of the bottom of doors to minimize any cold drafts from entering the house.
• Cover windows at night.
• Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants and people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you cannot keep your home warm.

For more information on how to prepare for a winter storm and how to keep your family safe during and after a winter storm, visit Disaster Readiness Portal.