Food safety during power outages, floods

Every day, we practice safe food handling by storing our foods in refrigerators and freezers at safe temperatures. This daily routine can quickly become more difficult when extreme weather hits. Floods and power outages can threaten the safety of your food; however, knowing how to tell if your food is safe and the steps you can take to keep it safe before, during, and after an extreme weather event can help to prevent foodborne illness and the loss of food.

Before a Potential Power Outage

• Keep an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer

• Freeze refrigerated items 

• Group food together in the freezer (it will stay frozen longer)

• Have coolers on hand

• Purchase or make ice cubes and/or freeze containers of water to use in the refrigerator, freezer and coolers

• Know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased

• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not have to be cooked or cooled

• Purchase bottled water

During a Power Outage

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible

• If the power outage exceeds 48 hours, use dry ice in freezer and/coolers

After Power is Restored

• Never taste food items for safety

• Discard refrigerated food items if they were stored above 40 degrees for over 2 hours

Items that should be discarded include:

• Milk, cream, and soft cheeses

• Leftovers

• Lunch meats and hot dogs

• Pies and pastries

• Cookie dough

• Cut melons

• Cooked vegetables

• Frozen food items can be refrozen if ice crystals are still present or if the temperature is under 40 degrees

• When in doubt, throw it out!

Food Safety and Flooding

• If possible, before flooding occurs, raise refrigeration and freezing units off the floor by placing blocks under the corners

• Do not consume any foods that came into contact with flood waters

• Consume bottled water if available, otherwise boil water for use

• Discard any foods not in a waterproof container including damaged cans

• Wash and sanitize all countertops and other food surfaces

• Wash and sanitize all dishes, silverware and pots and pans before use

• Wash and sanitize undamaged cans and remove all paper labels before opening for use

• Flooded wells should be tested and disinfected if needed. If you suspect your well has been contaminated by flood waters, call the Montgomery County Health Department

• Discard refrigerators and freezers if they were exposed to flood waters

More information on food safety can be found on the FSIS website. If you have any questions regarding this information or are experiencing a power outage or flood and have any concerns you can call the Montgomery County Health Department.

Jessica Alesi from the Montgomery County Health Department contributed this guest column.