Tips to Keep Food Safe During Power Outages from Henry and Stark County Health Departments

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents to protect refrigerated and frozen food during power outages. Officials say refrigerator and freezer doors should stay closed to preserve cold air. Perishable refrigerated foods may become unsafe if power is out longer than four hours. A full, unopened freezer can keep food frozen for up to two days. If using ice, keep food out of standing water and use proper ventilation and gloves when handling it. Once power returns, check food for odd odor, color, texture, or warmth.

The Health Department staff note, “An unopened full freezer will keep foods frozen for up to 2 full days. If it’s necessary to add ice to the freezer, make certain you handle it only with adequate ventilation and while wearing protective gloves.”

They add, “When power is restored, check all foods, fresh or frozen, to determine safety. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Remember the saying, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

For anyone with questions about food safety, local help is available through the Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department. The division guides safe food handling, health regulations, and ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illness at home, at events, and in food service settings. Residents, businesses, and community organizations can contact the department directly at 309-852-0197 for more information. Additional food safety resources are also available online at henrystarkhealth.com.