“Power Hacking: 5 Foolproof Ways to Keep Your Fridge Food Safe During an Outage”

**Saving Your Food from a Power Outage: A Step-by-Step Guide**

If you live in the central US or mid-Atlantic regions, you may soon experience a major winter storm and a polar vortex. And if the severe winter weather causes a power outage, one of your first concerns might be the food in your refrigerator. Though a sudden loss of electricity can threaten your groceries, you don’t have to let them go to waste: A little preparation can help keep your food safe and fresh until the power returns.

**Make a Plan to Save Your Food Before a Power Outage Strikes**

Before you face a power outage, it’s best to take a few steps to prepare in case you need to save your food. The recommendation from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to have the following items on hand:

* Appliance thermometers for both your refrigerator and freezer, so you can monitor if their temperatures rise and you need to start removing food. The fridge should not rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should not rise above 0 degrees F.
* A cooler and frozen gel packs, in case you have to take food out of the fridge to keep it cold.
* Dry ice or block ice to keep food cold inside the fridge, if you think the power will be out for a long time.

**Do This First to Save Your Food When the Power Goes Out**

When an outage hits, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed — don’t open them up unless you absolutely need to, and even then, try to do so quickly so as not to let the cold air out. If the doors stay closed, your food can stay safe for up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer, according to the CDC.

Once you’ve passed the four-hour mark (or if you see the temperature inside the fridge has risen to over 40 degrees F) and the power is still out, it’s time to start moving food out of the fridge. If perishable food has been left in the fridge after that point, you’ll have to throw it all out.

The exception here would be if you have dry ice. You can put the dry ice on the top shelf of your freezer and the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, and it will keep your perishables cold. You need about 3 pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of freezer space, which should keep food cold for at least two days. Just make sure you’re aware of how to safely handle dry ice before using it.

**FAQ**

Q: How long can food stay safe in the fridge during a power outage?
A: Food can stay safe in the fridge for up to four hours if the doors remain closed.

Q: How long can food stay safe in the freezer during a power outage?
A: Food can stay safe in the freezer for 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer.

Q: What should I do if I have dry ice to keep my food cool during a power outage?
A: You can put the dry ice on the top shelf of your freezer and the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Use about 3 pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of freezer space.

Q: How can I safely handle dry ice?
A: Wear gloves and goggles when handling dry ice to prevent burns and eye damage. Keep it away from children and pets.

Q: What should I do if I have food that has been left in the fridge after the four-hour mark and the power is still out?
A: You’ll have to throw out all perishable food if it has been left in the fridge after the four-hour mark.

By following these steps and preparing in advance, you can help keep your food safe and fresh until the power returns.

**Conclusion**

Power outages can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can minimize the risk of food spoilage and keep your groceries safe and fresh. Remember to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed, use dry ice if necessary, and discard perishable food if it has been left in the fridge for too long. With these tips, you can rest assured that your food will be safe and ready to eat when the power returns.**How to Keep Your Perishable Food Cold Without a Refrigerator**

Losing power for an extended period can be a disaster for your perishable food. It’s essential to know what foods can be safely stored at room temperature and what requires refrigeration to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses. In this article, we’ll outline the foods that can be kept out of the fridge and those that need to be kept cold, as well as provide tips on how to keep your perishable food cold without a refrigerator.

**Sorting Your Food**

To prevent any confusion, separate your food into two groups:

**Foods that do not need to be kept cold**

The following items can be safely stored at room temperature for a short period:

* Butter (for 1-2 days)
* Peanut butter
* Most cooking oils (except nut oils)
* Herbs
* Potatoes
* Most fruits and vegetables
* Bread
* Coffee
* Honey
* Ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce

These foods have a low water content, acidity, or natural preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth.

**Foods that need to be kept cold**

The following items must be stored at 40°F (4°C) or lower to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage:

* Dairy products (cheese, milk, whipped cream, sour cream)
* Eggs
* Meats, poultry, and fish (cooked or uncooked)
* Cut fruit and vegetables
* Leftovers

These foods contain high water content and are more susceptible to bacterial growth.

**Keeping Your Perishable Food Cold**

If the power outage lasts more than four hours, it’s crucial to move your perishable food to a cooler. Here are some tips:

* Place a layer of frozen food at the bottom of the cooler.
* Add a layer of foods from the fridge on top of the frozen layer.
* Top it off with another layer of frozen foods.
* Distribute the ice or ice packs around the food to maintain a consistent temperature.
* Monitor the temperature using a thermometer to ensure it stays at 40°F (4°C) or lower.

If you don’t have a cooler, you can use your freezer as a temporary refrigerator. Place ice in bowls and set them around the food to prevent melting. If you need to refreeze or cook thawed frozen food, ensure it’s at 40°F (4°C) or below or still contains ice crystals.