Help! The power's out

Don't panic when storms hit! You can keep refrigerated and frozen food safe to eat by being prepared. Follow the tips below and
click here for a chart listing foods that are safe and those that need to be discarded if the temperature has gotten too warm. Print it out and post on your refrigerator so it is handy when the power goes out.

• Keep thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer so you can check the temperature when the power comes back on. Perishable foods kept above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours must be discarded.
• Have a cooler on hand.
• Keep your refrigerator door shut, so it will hold its temperature better.
• If the power is out longer than 2-4 hours, pack perishable foods such as milk, meats, fish, poultry and eggs items in a cooler surrounded by ice.
• In extended outages, transfer freezer foods to a cooler with ice also. A half -full freezer should keep foods below 40 degrees for as long as 24 hours and a well-packed freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours.

So, when the power is out, don't worry about your food, light a candle and enjoy some quiet time!

Learn how to create a disaster supply kit and gather other weather preparedness tips by visiting the National Hurricane Center website, click here.