Buzz
When the power cuts out, panic often follows for many different reasons. If you're attached to the food in your fridge and freezer, that anxiety may quickly escalate into thoughts like, 'What happens to all my food?' It's a legitimate concern. To learn how to protect your food—such as meats, dairy, condiments, and more—during an outage, keep reading for helpful strategies.
Preparing for Power Outages
For those living in areas prone to power failures, consider investing in an appliance thermometer that tracks the temperature inside your fridge and freezer. The USDA recommends that your refrigerator maintain a temperature no higher than 40 degrees, as temperatures above this level allow bacteria to grow, entering the so-called 'danger zone.' Any refrigerated food exposed to the danger zone for several hours could be contaminated by harmful bacteria. (It might be worth investing in a portable generator as well.)
Since your fridge's cooling power is limited after the electricity goes out, it’s wise to stock up on non-perishable foods (those that don’t need refrigeration) in your pantry. Items like canned beans, soups, and fish are great options, as well as things like nut butter and protein bars.
If you're expecting a power outage, prepare large ice blocks by using takeout containers, gallon bags, or other sealable containers. Place these in a cooler during the outage. If made with drinking water, these ice blocks can also serve as a source of hydration in emergencies.
The Four-Hour Rule
As stated by FoodSafety.gov, fresh food in the fridge is usually safe for only up to four hours after a power failure. After this time, the USDA recommends discarding perishables like raw or thawing meat, eggs, opened sauces, and leafy greens. Other items to dispose of include leftovers (like pizza), egg or tuna salad, cooked pasta, rice, potatoes, milk, opened creamy dressings, and cooked tofu. To preserve cold air, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible while the power is out.
Safe-to-Eat Foods
Some safe-to-keep foods include hard cheeses, processed cheeses (not shredded), butter, whole fruits and vegetables, opened condiments like peanut butter and jelly (but not mayo), and non-creamy dressings like vinaigrettes and soy sauce.
For your freezer, a fully stocked one remains in the safe cooling zone for about 48 hours before you need to start discarding items. A partially filled freezer warms up faster, so try adding some refrigerated goods (like cut fruits and vegetables, shredded cheese, and eggs stored in a container) to reduce food waste and save your groceries. Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible for two days. If after 48 hours, the food still feels cold to the touch, as if it were refrigerated, it should be safe to refreeze. However, if the food has thawed, it’s better to throw it away.
Extended Power Outage
Still without power? A premium cooler, like a YETI, could be your best bet, as it can keep food cold for up to five days. Make sure to pack it tightly, adding ice, ice packs, or even dry ice (if available, some ice cream shops and restaurants may sell it) to ensure the food stays at a safe temperature.
Make the most of your food supply during a power outage by utilizing traditional preservation methods.
A power outage is the perfect time to explore classic food preservation techniques.
If you have a battery-powered blender, consider turning your chopped veggies into smoothies, gazpacho, agua fresca, or sauces that can be consumed right away or shared with your neighbors.
Dry fresh herbs to store for later or infuse them in small bottles of high-proof alcohol, like vodka or gin, for added flavor. A unique post-blackout memento to remember your time in the dark.
This could be a perfect moment for countertop pickling, where natural fermentation transforms tough vegetables such as cucumbers and beets into pickles. Kimchi, made from cabbage and sometimes radishes, is also prepared this way. Pickling by candlelight is a time-honored tradition.
