Protecting Your Food After Storms: Safety Tips You Need to Know!

When a big storm hits, you might be surprised by the extra problems it can cause. One of them is food poisoning! So, let’s talk about how to keep your food safe during power outages. First off, keep that fridge door closed tight! Normally, your fridge should be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. But when the lights go out, time starts ticking fast for your food. Bacteria love temps between 40-140°F, so you want to avoid that zone as much as possible. If you’ve got a full freezer, it can stay safe for about two days without power. But if it’s only half full, it’ll drop to one day. So, minimize opening the door and keep things nice and cold. Don’t be tempted to cram warm stuff into your fridge or freezer – that just raises the temperature inside and makes food go bad faster. And remember, when you're unsure, it's always better to toss it out. Some foods are trickier than others. Deli meals, cold cuts, and certain cheeses can carry listeria if not stored properly. So, keep raw meats away from fruits and veggies in your fridge. And don’t forget that cooked food should never sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Folks with health conditions like pregnant women or those with weak immune systems need to be extra careful. Food poisoning can be pretty nasty for them. So, next time a storm rolls in, remember these tips and keep your food safe!