Before a power outage

• Keep refrigerator at 40° or below. Freeze items like fresh meat and poultry that you won’t use immediately.
• Keep freezer set to 0° or below. Group frozen foods to help items stay colder longer.
• If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

During a power outage

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed!
• If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:
  • A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours.
  • A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

After a power outage

• Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.
• If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat.