Hurricane Joaquin may be blowing into your area, and let’s hope he doesn’t take down the power line in your neighborhood.
To prepare yourself for this potential storm, consider this advice by the Food and Drug Administration and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
Before the Power Goes Out:
— Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Above this temperature, pathogens, which cause foodborne illness, grow more rapidly.
— Make sure your milk and eggs are stored in the back of your refrigerator, rather than on the door, to keep them colder longer. The temperature of the refrigerator door is typically higher due to its constant opening and closing.
— Move any fresh meat, poultry and fish, as well as leftovers in your refrigerator, into your freezer. Frozen food will stay colder longer.
— Put containers of water in your freezer to create blocks of ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers, just in case you lose power.
Should the Power Go Out:
— Avoiding opening the refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily. The longer the doors are closed, the longer the food will remain at a cold temperature.
— If your power is restored within four hours, the items in the refrigerator should be safe to eat if you don’t constantly open it.
— A freezer that is stuffed full will stay at freezing temperatures for two days if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for one day if the door remains closed.
Once the Power Is Restored:
— When your power is restored, check the temperature inside your refrigerator and freezer. If it reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the food is safe to eat and/or can be refrozen.
— Wait until the temperature of the refrigerator drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below before you restock it.
Lastly, when in doubt, throw it out.
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Food Safety During Hurricane Joaquin originally appeared on usnews.com