If you're faced with a loss of power due to a storm or other emergency, it's important to understand basic food safety to keep you out of harm's way.
During a power outage, the refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, if the door remains closed.
The freezer will stay at a safe temperature for about two days if it's full, and for one day if it's half full.
Throw away perishable food that has been kept at temperatures above 40 degrees fahrenheit for two hours or more.
When the power comes back on, check the freezer thermometer.
If it reads 40 degrees or below, the food is safe and can be refrozen, according to the FDA.
If you don't have an appliance thermometer and are concerned about the safety of your food, experts suggest you throw it out.
If you experience a storm or emergency that brings on flooding, don't eat food that may have come into contact with flood waters, suggests the FDA. Also, discard food in containers that are not waterproof.
If you have canned foods, throw out those that are damaged.
If yours are undamaged wash them thoroughly - then place them in boiling water for two minutes or clean them with a bleach solution. Clean pans, dishes and utensils in the same manner.
