With tropical storm Elsa roaring through the Caribbean, Cuba and much of Florida this week, it’s time to review some basic food safety tips in the event of a power outage as the result of a hurricane or natural disaster.

Food products spoil faster than you think when the power goes out. To make sure you and your family don’t get sick from eating spoiled or contaminated food during a power outage, here are a few basic food safety tips:

1. Before any storm hits, it’s a good idea to always keep at least a week’s worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling on-hand.
2. If you have a generator, only use it during dry conditions. Generators produce powerful voltage. Never operate under wet or flood conditions. 
3. Double-check the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer before the storm hits and you lose power. Keep refrigerator temperatures at 40°F or lower and freezer temperatures at 0°F or lower to offer a level of protection for your food in the event of a power outage.
4. If the power does go out – Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
5. If a storm or power outage is anticipated to linger for any protracted length of time, purchase sufficient amounts of dry ice or block ice to keep food in the freezer and refrigerator cold. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have coolers on hand to keep immediate-use food cold.
6. If you cannot find dry or blocked ice, freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers to fit around the food in the refrigerator, freezer and coolers to help keep food cold. Do not overfill the containers as water expands.
7. Throw out any food that may have come into contact with flood water including any food that is not in a waterproof container or package.
8. Once power is restored, check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more. Also check frozen food for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thawed may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below.
9. If any food product has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch, throw it out.

Security Specialists Want You and Your Family to Stay Safe from Natural Disasters!