Food Safety During Weather Related Emergencies

It is that time of year when weather related emergencies may arrise.  The following website can help to answer immediate concerns or questions you have related to food in your home. 

Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency

If any type of unexpected emergency strikes your community, you may not have access to fresh food, water or electricity for days, maybe weeks. This page will provide you with useful information so you can be prepared when an emergency strikes, and know how to keep your food safe during and after an emergency.

Food Safety Facts Sheets from the CDC

Food Safety Information from Extension

Food Safety During Power Outages

Emergencies can happen, especially with extreme weather conditions. When they do, the best strategy is to already have a plan in place. This includes knowing the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage — and being prepared to safely handle food and water in the event that flooding occurs.

Make a Plan for Power Outages

Refrigerated and Frozen Food

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Refrigerated Food Checklist

Frozen Food Checklist

Food Safety and Flood Water

Examine food carefully after a flood. Contamination may occur if floodwaters have covered, dripped on or seeped into the food. Some foods may be protected by their containers. If you have any doubt about the safety of a food, it is always better to throw it out rather than risk disease.

Food Handling Following a Flood