Refrigerator & Freezer Power Outage with Post Food Safety

At our residence, power outages are common in our community. Fortunately, we have an automated generator for our appliances.

Onboard our last vessel (35′ Regal Sport Coupe) we did occasionally experience tripped power outages impacting our miniature Igoo refrigerator.  The freezer was basically nonexistent. We rarely kept anything perishable beyond our stay onboard. Thus far, onboard M/V Soul Mates we have not experienced any issues. 

Considered Refrigerator Food Save for Below 40F for 2 Hours or Less:

• Breads
• Butter or Margarine
• Condiments
• Dried Goods
• Fruits
• Hard Cheeses
• Juices
• Vegetables

Tips

• Bacterial growth is slowed at 40°F.
• Disgard refrigerated perishable foods: dairy, eggs, leftovers, meat, poultry and seafood after 4 hours without power.
• Freezer doors closed, frozen goods may last up to 24 – 48 hours.
• Freezer items should never fall below 40°F.
• Freezer temperature setting should be 0°F – 17.8°F.
• Have a temperature thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during a power outage.
• Ice cream with crystallization should not be refrozen; quality and taste will be altered. 
• Refrigerated goods maintained at 40°F are usually deemed safe.
• Refrigerator temperature setting should be 35°F – 40°F.
• Refrigerator temperatures unopened tend to hold for 4 – 6 hours.