Power outages threaten food safety during severe winter weather

Severe winter weather can cause power outages, threatening food safety in refrigerators. To prevent food spoilage, keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Food can stay safe for up to four hours in a fridge and 48 hours in a full freezer. If the power is out for more than four hours, move perishable items to a cooler with ice packs. Separate food into two groups: items that must stay cold and those that can be left out. Use dry ice if available to extend food freshness. Monitor food temperatures and discard any items that show signs of spoilage. Frozen food can be refrozen if it remains at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Always prioritize safety and throw out questionable food.