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How To Act During Blackouts To Prevent Poisonings: Know Which Foods Can Be Consumed, Which Should Be Discarded, And How To Better Preserve With Simple Measures
The power outage may seem like just a temporary inconvenience, but blackouts pose real health risks if food is not handled with the proper care.
Knowing what can or cannot be consumed after a blackout is essential to avoid food poisoning.
Understand how to act, which products should be discarded, and what simple practices help preserve food safety even in emergency situations.
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How Long Foods Last Without Refrigeration
In case of a power outage, time is crucial. The household refrigerator, with an average temperature of 4 °C, keeps food cold for up to 4 to 6 hours if the door remains closed.
The freezer, when completely full, can maintain the cold for up to 48 hours. If it is half full, this time drops to about 24 hours.
It is possible to extend this period by using dry ice or ice packs.
A simple measure that makes a difference is to quickly transfer food from the refrigerator to the freezer if there is a forecast of a prolonged blackout.
Foods That Pose More Risk
Some items should be discarded immediately if they are kept outside the appropriate temperature for more than two hours. Among them are:
- Fresh meats.
- Fish and seafood.
- Prepared or precooked dishes.
- Dressings and sauces with milk or eggs, such as mayonnaise and creams.
Changes in odor, color, or texture may be signs of deterioration, but they are not always reliable. When in doubt, it is safer to throw them away.
Containers Make A Difference
The type of packaging can directly influence the preservation of food during a power outage.
Glass is considered more efficient than plastic, as it maintains internal temperature better and does not release toxic substances under extreme conditions.
Marinated or seasoned foods with acidic or salty ingredients, such as vinegar or salt, also have a slightly longer shelf life in these situations, as these elements help with preservation.
Cold To The Touch: Still Safe To Consume?
If a frozen or refrigerated food is cold to the touch, below 5 °C, it can still be safely consumed. If the power returns and the food is completely frozen, there is no problem keeping it.
If the food is no longer cold to the touch, it can be consumed within four hours. After that time, it is best to discard it. Raw meats can be cooked immediately after thawing, provided they are still in good condition.
Tips To Keep Food Safe For Longer
There are strategies that help keep food refrigerated longer during a blackout:
- Place ice bags under trays or food packages.
- Cover foods with thermal blankets.
- Group frozen products together.
- Avoid opening the doors of the refrigerator or freezer.
These practices help maintain internal temperature for longer and reduce the risk of deterioration.
How To Prepare For An Emergency
Having a plan before a power supply interruption occurs can make a difference. Some recommendations include:
- Place thermometers in appliances to monitor temperature.
- Freeze bottles or jars of water, which will serve as extra ice.
- Have coolers and backup ice packs on hand.
- Organize the freezer with grouped foods, which helps keep the cold for longer.
Additional Risks In Case Of Flood
When a power outage is accompanied by flooding, precautions should be doubled. This is because, in addition to preserving food, drinking water may be compromised.
Water from dubious sources should not be consumed directly. The ideal is to use bottled water, provided the container has not been contaminated by the flood. If that is not possible, there are two safe treatment methods:
- Boil for at least one minute and let cool.
- Use chlorine disinfection (8 drops of bleach per liter), with a resting time of 30 minutes.
- Compromised foods and packaging due to water
Adopting simple and sustainable practices not only prevents food poisoning in risky situations but also helps reduce waste and increase families’ resilience in the face of emergencies.
Combining knowledge, preparation, and responsibility is the best way to keep health safe when the power goes out.
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