Before the Event

• Install surge protectors to provide greater protection for your appliances and help prevent damage from lightning.
• Unplug unnecessary appliances.

Refrigerators

• Eat perishables or clean out food that may spoil during a power outage.
• Turn refrigerators and freezers to maximum cold settings and open only when necessary.
• If power goes out, many refrigerated foods will last only a couple of hours. Foods that need to be discarded after warming above 40 degrees include: mayonnaise, eggs, opened baby formula, luncheon meat, cooked vegetables, milk, cream, spaghetti sauce, cooked pasta, creamy salad dressings, cream-filled pies or pastries, cooked meat, canned meats that require refrigeration and soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella.
• Foods still safe above 40 degrees include: fresh fruits, raw vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, barbecue sauce, ketchup, olives, fruit pies, bread, butter and margarine, and hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss and Parmesan.

Freezers

• Food in a fully packed freezer will keep one to two days if the power goes out.
• Food is safe to refreeze if it does not get warmer than 40 degrees. 
• If frozen food warms above 40 degrees, dispose of it.
• If the power goes out, you can try to keep your freezer cold a while longer by covering it with several blankets.
• Fill your freezer with extra water jugs or crumpled paper to keep it tightly packed. This will help preserve food for up to two days without electricity.