Prep for a power outage: Tips on how to save your perishables

So since many areas are looking like they are going to lose power for several days, here is a tip to save the food in your fridge and freezer as long as possible. Fill Ziploc bags with water and place in any empty spots through out your freezer. Use different size bags and squeeze the air out so that you maximum the space in your freezer. Be sure to only fill the bags 3/4 of the way or the bag may split as the water expands during freezing.

Why bother? A full freezer can stay full for 2-3 days, and a half full freezer will only stay for one. by packing your freezer and not opening it, you can save a lot of your food. If you have a freezer drawer, this will also help to keep your refrigerator cooler.  The  following link gives detailed instructions about how to prep yourself, before, during and after you lose power. I used this sight in preparation for Hurricane Irene and was able to save most of my food. http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/poweroutage.html

Hopefully this will all blow over and not cause the wide spread devastation that is being predicted, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen, so be prepared.

The following is from the National Center for Home Food Preservation

When the power goes out, unplug the freezer and refrigerator, as well as other appliances, to protect them from electricity surges when power returns. Make sure everyone in your household knows not to open the refrigerator or freezer doors; keeping the doors closed will keep the food cold for a longer period of time. Wrap the refrigerator/freezer in blankets, making sure they don’t touch the compressor, to create extra insulation. If it seems that the power will be off for more than 2 to 4 hours, re-pack refrigerated items into coolers with plenty of ice.

Items in the freezer potentially can stay frozen for 2 to 4 days, depending on the size of the freezer, how full it is, and how well insulated it is. A full freezer that had been operating at 0°F will keep foods frozen for about 48 hours if the doors remain closed; a half-full one can only be expected to keep food frozen for a maximum of 24 hours. For extended power outages use blocks of dry ice in the freezer. A fifty pound block of dry ice will keep the contents of a full 18 cubic foot freezer frozen for 2 days. Remember to wear gloves or use tongs when handling dry ice.

When the power does return, check the internal temperatures of all of your perishable foods with a calibrated food thermometer. Discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.

Preparing and planning for severe weather can help you to save the foods that are in your refrigerator and freezer and ensure that they are safe for consumption.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/tips/summer/power_outages.html