Key takeaways: According to Ready.gov, a refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours if the doors stay closed. Throw out food that has reached 40°F or higher for two hours or more. Run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from doors and windows, and never heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
The first big storm I remember as a kid ended with my family eating ice cream for dinner because Mom said “it will melt anyway.” It was fun. It was also a lesson in what not to do with the rest of the fridge. Winter storms, heat waves and wildfire shutoffs mean outages can happen almost anywhere in the U.S., so a few minutes of planning now is worth it.
Before the lights go out: a short kit
- Nonperishable food and water.
- A flashlight for every household member, with spare batteries.
- A portable charger or power bank, kept charged.
- Coolers and ice, and an appliance thermometer for the fridge and freezer.
- A plan for refrigerated medicine and any power-dependent medical device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
During an outage
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. Ready.gov says a fridge holds temperature for about 4 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours.
- Use a thermometer. Throw out food that has reached 40°F or higher.
- Know the two-hour rule. Discard food exposed to 40°F or higher for 2 hours or more, or anything with an odd smell, color or texture. The official advice: when in doubt, throw it out.
- Medicine. If power is out more than a day, discard refrigerated medication unless the label says otherwise, and ask your pharmacist for a replacement.
Generator safety is not optional
- Run generators and their fuel only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Install battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
- Keep the generator dry, let it cool before refueling, and use heavy-duty extension cords.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
My take
If you only do one thing this week, buy a cheap appliance thermometer and put it in the fridge. It takes the guessing out of “is this still safe?”, which is the question everyone asks at 2 a.m. in the dark.
FAQ
Should I fill the freezer?
A fuller freezer holds its temperature longer, which is why the 48-hour figure applies to a full one.
Can I refreeze thawed food?
Check Ready.gov and USDA guidance for specifics. If it reached 40°F or higher for 2 hours, throw it out.
Source: Ready.gov, Power Outages. General information only.
