Food During a Power Outage: What to Keep and What to Discard

A blackout turns food storage into a time-and-temperature problem. Safety guidance should come before attempts to rescue food.

Reviewed for clarity and safety sourcing • Updated September 2026

Refrigerator window

FoodSafety.gov says a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. Perishable refrigerated foods generally need to be discarded after four hours without power.

Freezer window

A full closed freezer can hold a safe temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if half full. Food that still contains ice crystals or remains at 40°F (4°C) or below may be refrozen, though quality can change.

Prepare before the outage

A shelf-stable emergency food supply reduces pressure to improvise when refrigeration is unavailable.