Food Safety in Power Outages

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Food Safety In Power Outages

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With the coming weather from Tropical Storm Debby, several inches of rain and heavy winds are expected. Along with charging devices and making sure you have fresh batteries, you should also take a look at food safety concerns in your household. Those at highest risk of foodborne illness are infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those living with immunocompromised conditions. When flooding or power outages are involved, food safety risk increases. See the tips below to help you keep your food safe during any potential power outages.

Foods that are not shelf stable & support the growth of pathogens that are kept above 41ºF for more than 4 hours increase your risk for foodborne illness. Keep cold foods below 41ºF to lower risk of foodborne illness.

Before a Power Outage:

  • Purchase/ locate thermometers for your fridge and freezer as well as a tip sensitive thermometer for checking the internal temperatures of food
  • Purchase foods that are shelf stable and can be eaten cold or heated on a grill outside.
  • Keep extra water on hand in case of a Boil Water Advisory.

After a Power Outage:

  • Open and use only the food you need if you do not have access to refrigeration.
  • Foods that have been kept below 41°F are safe to eat or be refrozen. (Refreezing these items could affect the quality.)
  • Produce like fresh fruit and leafy greens that have been cut should be eaten within 4 hours or discarded.
  • NEVER use outdoor grills or cooking equipment inside your home.
  • Heat foods to the following internal temperatures per Safe Plates guidelines:
    • Eggs, whole meats, fish: 145°F
    • Ground meats, fish: 155°F
    • Whole and ground poultry: 165°F

Below are resources to keep on hand in case of a power outage.

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