How to Keep Your Food Safe During a Power Outage: Simple Tips That Could Save You Hundreds
Murphy’s Law of Power Outages
It always seems to happen at the worst time. You’ve just stocked your fridge and freezer full of food… and then the power goes out.
If you’ve experienced this, you’ve likely wondered: How long will my food stay safe to eat? And more importantly - How can I tell if it’s gone bad before the power returns?
Food Safety During a Power Outage
The USDA says that perishable food can become unsafe after just 4 hours without refrigeration, especially if the temperature rises above 40°F. At that point, bacteria can grow quickly - and you may not even be able to smell or see it.
So, how do you know if your food is still safe?
A Simple 25-Cent Hack to Tell If Your Food Spoiled
Here’s a clever tip that could save you hundreds of dollars in spoiled food.
- Place a cup of water in your freezer.
- Once frozen, put a quarter on top of the ice.
- Leave it there.
If the power goes out while you're away, just check the position of the quarter:
- If it’s still on top: Your food likely stayed frozen and is safe.
- If it sank to the bottom: The ice melted, and your food may have thawed and refrozen — which means it could be unsafe.
Note: This isn’t a scientific test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Frozen Food Stay Good?
Even if your food stays frozen, it doesn’t last forever. According to dietitian Allison Tepper, here’s how long frozen foods typically stay fresh:
- Cooked meats, soups, casseroles, rice, and pasta: 2–3 months
- Cheese: 6 months
- Nuts and herbs: 1 year
- Flour: 2 years
Scroll Down for 10 Ways You Can Improve Your Winter Readiness
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Winter Preparedness Checklist
1. Stock up on firewood before the rush. Prices rise fast once the cold sets in - get what you need now while it’s dry and plentiful.
2. Test your solar generator. Make sure your backup power is charged and functioning before the first blackout hits.
3. Can and preserve your harvest. Turn extra fruits and vegetables into shelf-stable meals your family can enjoy all winter.
4. Rotate emergency food supplies. Keep your pantry fresh and waste-free by using oldest items first and replacing as needed.
5. Clean out your gutters. Prevent costly water damage by clearing out leaves and debris before heavy fall rains.
6. Inspect camping gear. Check tents, zippers, and sleeping bags to avoid surprises during late-season trips.
7. Sharpen knives and tools. Properly sharpened gear is safer, more efficient, and ready for any task that comes your way.
8. Plant fall garlic Garlic planted in fall yields strong, flavorful bulbs in the spring. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance.
9. Seal windows and doors Weatherproofing your home can cut heating bills and keep rooms warmer as temperatures drop.
10. Switch to thermal base layers Insulated clothing reduces your reliance on external heat sources and keeps you comfortable outdoors.
Top Emergency Essentials
References & Resources:
- National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA): What's the Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Warning?
- NOAA: Prediction remains on track for above-normal Atlantic hurricane season
- NOAA: Find your Evacuation Zone
- National Hurricane Center (NHC): Tropical Cyclone Climatology
- NHC: Storm Surge Products
- NHC: How to Use the Cone Graphic
- Ready.gov: Evacuation
- Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA): The National Risk Index
- FEMA: Know Your Alerts
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water
- Center for Disease Control (CDC): Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency