How Long Does Food Stay Safe in a Refrigerator During a Power Outage?

How long can food remain safe when the refrigerator loses power? This practical family guide explains the 4-24-48 rule, which refrigerated foods to keep or discard, how to protect frozen food, when to use an ice-filled cooler, and what to check after electricity returns. Learn how to make calm, evidence-based food safety decisions during blackouts, severe storms, and extended power outages.

PREPAREDNESS GUIDE