If the power failure is of short duration, it is not likely that any of the food will be affected and no special precautions are necessary. Otherwise, the following steps may be taken to protect your food from spoiling:

Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. Generally, safe temperatures will be maintained for 5 – 6 hours in the refrigerator and for 24 hours or more in the freezer. Potentially Hazardous Foods such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cooked rice, cooked pasta or cooked potatoes if held in a non-working refrigerator more than 6 hours should be discarded.

If you think food may be spoiled, the best policy is to throw it out. Any inquires regarding the protection of food can be directed to the Health Department at 571-3680.