After major storms, homes may be left without power and the food in your fridge and freezer could be at risk of spoiling. It's important to know how long you have after losing power before food is no longer safe to eat.

According to FoodSafety.gov, "your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power."

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Fortunately, food in the freezer lasts longer than items in the refrigerator. "A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below, however, its quality may suffer," the FoodSafety article also indicates.

Keep frozen bottles of water in the freezer to fill it up.

Here are some tips from the Food and Drug Administration:

  • The air temperature in your refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees or below, and in the freezer it should be zero or below.
    • Place appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer so you can check the temperature once the power comes back on to determine if the food is still safe to consume.
      • The key to making your food last as long as possible is keeping the doors closed. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for only about 4 hours. A fully stocked freezer with foods grouped together should stay cold for about 48 hours and only 24 hours if it isn't full.
        • When the power returns, if the freezer temperature is 40 degrees or below or if the foods still have ice crystals, you can safely refreeze or cook the food.
          • When it comes to the fridge, if the power was off for more than 4 hours, the FDA says to throw out all perishable foods, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy (including milk and yogurt), soft cheeses, creamy condiments, cut fruits, pre-washed greens, cooked veggies and any leftovers.
            • You can keep butter, margarine, hard cheeses, jellies, ketchup, mustard, pickles, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, raw veggies, vinegar-based dressings and breads, including tortillas and bagels.
              • Do not depend on smell or taste to determine if the food is safe. If there's any doubt, throw it out!

                Before a tropical storm or hurricane where power could go out, you can do a few things in advance to help keep foods colder longer like freezing containers of ice to use in coolers or thaw out to use as drinking water. Freeze refrigerated items that you don't need immediately, including extra milk.

                See the FDA website for additional information on preparing for power outages and for determining food safety once power is restored.

                For a list of specific foods and when they need to be discarded after an outage, head to FoodSafety.gov.