March 20, 2020 - 10:33am -- smith.263@osu.edu

If this is your current situation: "My power just went out, how long will my food be safe?" please read on . . .

Quick rules of thumb:

1. Do NOT open your refrigerator or freezer. It will serve as an insulated cooler if you do not open it. Refrigerated foods should keep at least 24 hours and frozen foods several days.

2. After power comes back on, assess your situation. If foods from the refrigerator are still cold to the touch, they are safe. If they are room temperature may need pitched (most salad dressings made with vinegar, fruits and vegetables will be fine)

3. For foods from the freezer, if they have ice crystals, they may be safely re-frozen; if they are thawed but cold to the touch the food may be eaten or cooked then re-frozen; if food is warm to the touch it needs thrown away.

4. Also, visit the two fact sheets that follow:

What To Do When Your Freezer Stops

Eating Nutritiously When the Power Is Out