Hey, Hardin County—this winter storm is throwing a lot our way, isn’t it? With power outages happening all around, it’s easy to forget about one important thing: keeping your food safe! Nobody wants to deal with foodborne illness on top of icy roads and freezing temps. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department has shared some great tips, so let’s talk about how to protect your fridge and freezer stash during this wild weather.
While the Power’s Out: Keep the Cold In
- Don’t Open the Fridge or Freezer
We get it—when the power’s out, you keep checking the fridge hoping it magically stayed cold. But every time you open it, you’re letting all that cold air escape! If you keep the doors shut, your fridge will keep food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer? That can hold out for 48 hours (24 hours if it’s not packed to the brim). - Got a Cooler? Use It!
If the power’s been out for more than 4 hours, grab a cooler and some ice or gel packs (or even snow from outside if it’s clean). Toss your perishable foods in there to keep them at 40°F or lower. - Be Ready for Next Time
If this storm has taught us anything, it’s that being prepared is key. Freeze some water bottles or gel packs when you can, so you’ve got a cold source ready for the next big weather event.
When the Power Comes Back: Is It Still Good?
- Don’t Guess—Throw It Out If You’re Unsure
If you’re wondering, “Hmm, is this still okay to eat?” it’s probably not. Don’t taste food to test it—just toss it. Better safe than sorry! - Check the Temperature
If you have a thermometer in your fridge, check to see if it stayed at 40°F or below. Anything that’s been above that temp for more than 4 hours should be thrown out. - Frozen Foods Might Be Okay
Got ice crystals in your frozen foods? Or are they still 40°F or colder? Then you’re good to refreeze or cook them. - Toss the Risky Stuff
Say goodbye to meats, dairy, eggs, leftovers, and anything that looks or smells a little “off.” You don’t want to take any chances. - Need a Handy Guide?
The CDC has a super useful list of what to toss and what you can keep after a power outage.
We’ve Got This, Hardin County
This storm’s been rough, but we’ll get through it! Just keep these food safety tips in mind so you’re not dealing with spoiled food (or worse) when the power comes back. Big thanks to the Lincoln Trail District Health Department for looking out for all of us with these helpful tips.
Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t forget to take care of your food stash! For more info, check out the CDC’s full guide here.