Safety Tips

Power outages caused by hurricanes can present health concerns from food spoilage. Below are a few tips to help keep you safe:

• Before the storm, take an inventory of the items in your refrigerator and freezer. Put this list on the refrigerator door so you know where everything is located.
• If power will be off more than six hours, transfer refrigerated foods to an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Keep a thermometer in the cooler to be sure the food stays at 40°F or below. For more information about food safety, call the Norwalk Health Department at (203) 854-7776.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Minimal freezer door openings can keep frozen items safe for about two days.
• Refrigerated foods should be safe if the power is out for no more than four to six hours. Discard any food that has been above 40°F for two hours and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Never taste food to determine safety!

Contact Us

If you have additional questions concerning food safety following a natural disaster or emergency situation, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at (203) 854-0238.