1 Keep the cold inside
Leave doors closed. A refrigerator usually stays cold for about four hours unopened. A full freezer can hold temperature for roughly 48 hours, or 24 hours when half full, with its door closed.
2 Use measurements and an official chart
Keep a thermometer and assess individual products using FoodSafety.gov. After prolonged interruption without verified safe cooling, discard high-risk perishables. Never taste them to check safety.
3 Switch to independent supplies
Use ready-to-eat cupboard food without repeatedly opening the fridge. Assess each item when power returns. Restored cooling does not undo earlier unsafe warming.
Practical checklist
- Time of outage recorded.
- Doors kept closed.
- A thermometer available.
- Individual-food guidance checked.
Frequently asked questions
Is feeling cold enough?
No. Measurements and reliable guidance are better than touch.
Can food be refrozen?
Some foods with ice crystals or a temperature around 4°C or below can be refrozen; check the specific item in the official chart.
Source and scope
FoodSafety.govFollow the product label and local health guidance. Individual feeding and medical needs require professional advice.
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