HHS Issues Reminders About Food Safety During Power Outage

HHS says residents should avoid consuming food that's been left in the refrigerator or the freezer for too long.

The department's Joyce Welch says items can last up to four hours in the refrigerator; 24 hours in a half-packed freezer.

However, Welch says the more a refrigerator is opened, the quicker food spoils. So she has one key recommendation for the fridge: if someone expects to be without power for several days, Welch suggests people consider putting food in coolers, or packing the refrigerator with dry ice.

The department also recommends installing battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms when using portable generators indoors.

For NHPR News, I'm Dan Gorenstein.