Oct. 7, 2024
Hurricanes and other natural disasters often create a cascade of unexpected complications, including extended power and water outages, flooding, mold damage and other emergencies. Now add the increased danger of food poisoning to that list.
There is the possibility for a rise in foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli after natural disasters, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when power outages affect cold storage.
If your household has recently been hit by a power outage, here are ways to keep your food safe:
Keep your fridge door shut
Under normal circumstances, your fridge should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the CDC. When the power goes out, it’s a race against time to make sure food doesn’t spoil.