When the Power Goes Out

Updated on September 25, 2010
J.R. asks from Geneva, IL
8 answers

Hi mamas:

Our power was out for 6 hours yesterday. Are the things that I had in the freezer okay? We didn't open it at all but I have breastmilk stored as well as meat. I just don't know how to judge if it's still good. Also, what about stuff in the fridge? Thankfully I didn't go grocery shopping, so I'm really only looking at a little bit of milk and yogurt -- is it safe to eat, or should I pitch it all?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I would think it should be fine. But if anything smells funny, just throw it out.
For hurricane preparedness in our area, if there's a chance the power might go out (for who knows how long), they suggest filling clean plastic milk jugs %90 filled with water and freezing as many as you can (about 24 hrs before the approximate land fall). If the power goes out, your freezer will stay colder if it's filled, and to keep the other side chilled, transfer one or more there as you need to. It will keep things cold, and as it melts you have drinking water.
It doesn't help when the outage is unexpected and you have no time to prepare, but it's a pretty 'cool' idea that works well when there is time.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi Jennifer---Everything should be ok if you didn't open either of the freezer or fridge at all. You can kind of gauge how well the food survived the power outage by how full the appliances are. In general, a full fridge/freezer keeps itself colder all by itself.

Hope this helps. D.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I know this doesn't help much now, but I have learned to check everything in the freezer as soon as the power comes back on (before everything has a chance to refreeze). If it still has ice crystals in it it should be ok to stay in the freezer. Anything that is questionable should be treated as if it has thawed and should be cooked and eaten within a few days. The fridge stuff is a little trickier, but shouldn't be over 40 degrees for more than a few hours.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Detroit on

our power went out for over 12 hours recently and our freezer was fine - breastmilk & meats included (we didn't open it, and had a container full of ice cubes keeping everything cold). The fridge was not okay, of course, so I would just be cautious.

I dread power outages when I'm nursing babies, for this very reason! Your liquid gold should be fine :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Detroit on

Everything should be fine. If dairy products go bad, they smell bad so you can easily tell. Yogurt may change color too. You should be fine.

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Did you happen to have any ice-cream in your freezer? If so, look at it. Did it melt? Or if you have an ice maker... Did the ice melt more than half way? (into a puddle and then refroze that way). If not, then the freezer items should be fine.
As far as the fridge... if it smells, toss it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Detroit on

I would say yes if you didn't opent he doors your fine i wouldn't worry.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions