Refrigerator Food Safety During a Power Outage

A full, unopened refrigerator keeps food safely cold for about 4 hours after the power goes out; a full freezer holds temperature for roughly 48 hours (24 hours if half full).

Keep the doors closed as much as possible. An appliance thermometer is the only reliable way to know if food is still safe — don't guess based on how cold it feels.

A well-insulated cooler with ice can extend safety margins for medications and small quantities of perishable food beyond what the fridge alone provides.