How long is food good in the fridge without power? What Hoosiers still without power need to know

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More than 100,000 Hoosiers lost power from storms earlier this week, and there are still around 13,000 Indianapolis residents without power as we head into the weekend, according to the AES outage map.

Here’s some tips for those without power.

Power outage tips

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Use a generator, but only outdoors and away from windows.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Go to a community location with power if heat is extreme. Check with local officials (Indiana 211) about cooling center locations open near you.

How long is food good in the fridge without power?

The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours after the power goes out. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours without power.

It is important to keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed to lengthen how long items will keep.

Once the power resumes, be sure to check the items in your fridge to make sure nothing has spoiled.

When in doubt, throw it out. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

Food storage during power outages

• Have enough nonperishable food and water. 
• Use coolers with ice if necessary. 
• Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. 
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. 
• Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

Preparing for a power outage

If you didn’t lose power this time around, there are steps you can take to make sure you are prepared for the next time you do.

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. 
• Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

Know your medical needs

• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. 
• Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Using appliances during power outages

• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. 
• Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. 
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Generator safety 

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and your pets.
• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.