Food Safety During Severe Storms and Hurricanes

In case of a possible power outage during the storm, you need to be prepared.  To ensure food safety, place a refrigerator/freezer thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer before losing power. Make sure the temperature of your refrigerator is 40 degrees F or colder and your freezer is 0 degrees F or colder. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours or 24 hours if it is half-full and the door remains closed. Then after the storm, if the temperature is still at 40 degrees F or colder or if the food still contains ice crystals, then it can safely be used or refrozen.
Appling County UGA Extension, 367-8130