In 1998, there was El Nino. And, this year, meteorologists think that La Nina wreak havoc with the weather patterns in the Northwest. Whether it’s flooding or a major windstorm, the most likely problem occurring with winter weather systems is a power outage. It’s wise to prepare ahead for natural disasters that could threaten the safety of your family’s food supply. This is especially true if you live in areas of Thurston County that are prone to flooding or experience lengthy power outages.

QUESTION: Could you suggest some ways to plan ahead for storms and power outages?

ANSWER: Plan ahead for ice. Buy some freezer-pack inserts and keep them frozen. Have ice and an insulated cooler ready to use for emergencies. Also, develop an emergency freezer-sharing plan with friends or relatives.

Be sure to stock up on emergency supplies: Food and water for several days, a manual can opener, battery powered radio, extra batteries, camp stove or other emergency cooking equipment, flashlight, candles, fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. The American Red Cross has equipment for purchase and great advice for coping with natural disasters.

Stock your pantry with foods that don’t require refrigeration, such as canned meats/fish, canned fruits/vegetables, dried foods, peanut butter and jam, crackers. If you’re creative, there are lots of choices to get you and your family through a power outage.

If you anticipate a major storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. The colder the food is before a failure, the better it will last.

QUESTION: If my freezer is off, can I use dry ice to keep things cold?

ANSWER: Before you purchase dry ice, make your best estimate of the length of power outage by listening to local radio stations. When freezers are fully packed, food should remain frozen for about two days – if it’s partially full about a day.

For an 18 cubic foot freezer, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA suggests using a 50 lb. block of dry ice. The dry ice should last about two days. They also recommend you use rubber gloves or tongs to handle the dry ice and to avoid breathing the steam given off if you are in an unventilated room. The dry ice should be wrapped in brown paper for longer storage and separated from direct food contact with a piece of cardboard.

Finally, if you’re using dry ice in a partially filled freezer, fill the freezer with crumpled newspaper to cut down on air currents that cause the dry ice to dissipate. FSIS does not recommend the use of dry ice in a refrigerator. Instead, purchase some block ice. Block ice or bags of ice may also be used in a freezer. Remember you can safely refreeze foods that still contain ice crystals.

QUESTION: What about the refrigerated foods? How long can the power be off and the food still be safe to consume?

ANSWER: If the power is off for more than 6 hours, some of the food in your refrigerator may need to be discarded. Generally, refrigerated foods should be safe to consume if the power is out no more than four to six hours.

The worst thing you can do during a power outage is open the refrigerator or freezer to check on food temperatures. For refrigerated food, the best guideline is "When in Doubt, Throw it Out." When perishable foods are above 40ºF for more than two hours, they should be thrown out. If you have an insulated cooler filled with ice or gel packs, you can transfer smaller amounts of food to keep them cool. If you transfer food to a cooler, use your refrigerator thermometer to make sure food stays at 40ºF or cooler.

B. Susie Craig

Area Faculty

WSU Cooperative Extension Thurston County