Winter storms can cause power outages that lead to food safety concerns. As storms approach, protect your food and family by being prepared.

Three Ways to Prepare for a Winter Storm

1. Purchase or locate thermometers

• Place a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer
• Have a tip-sensitive digital thermometer ready to check food temperatures

2. Check stock of refrigerator

• Purchase or prepare food items that don't require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated

Foods that can support the growth of pathogens are riskier to consume after being held above

41°F for more than 4 hours.

on an outdoor grill

3. Store or purchase water

• Be prepared in case water systems are impacted resulting in boil water advisories
• Use bottled/clean water for brushing teeth, cooking, cleaning, water for pets, etc.
• In emergencies, you can safely store food in snow banks by monitoring the internal temperature of the food (41°F or lower)
• When storing food outside:
• Avoid placing food in direct sunlight
• Place food in containers that will protect the food from contamination as well as from wild animals

Foods to Stock in Preparation

Dairy

• Hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, romano)
• Individually packaged cultured dairy products, like yogurt and sour cream
• Individual cheese sticks
• Shelf-stable milk boxes and alternative milk in boxes

Proteins

• Hard-boiled, air-cooled eggs
• Shelf-stable, dry fermented meats such as pepperoni
• Individually packaged nut or seed butters

Shelf Stable Food

• Soups, stews and chilis, pastas
• Fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices
• Tuna, salmon, chicken, pork and beans

Grains and Snacks

• Breads, rolls and buns
• Muffins, baked goods
• Crackers, pretzels, popcorn
• Granola bars

Produce

• Whole fruits and vegetables
• Baby carrots, grapes, apples, bananas, berries, cherry tomatoes
• Individually wrapped applesauce or fruit cups
• Canned applesauce or fruits

For more info contact ncsafeplates@ncsu.edu

Three Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage

1. Purchase or locate thermometers

• Place a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer
• Have a tip-sensitive digital thermometer ready to check food temperatures

2. Check stock of refrigerator

• Purchase or prepare food items that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on an outdoor grill

3. Prepare coolers and purchase ice and/or dry ice

• Use dry ice to extend the amount of time food will stay below 41°F
• Purchase or freeze containers of water for ice

Foods that can support the growth of pathogens are riskier to consume after being held above 41°F for more than 4 hrs. Examples: cooked vegetables and grains, cooked and raw meats, cut melons and tomatoes.

Foods to Stock in Preparation

Dry Foods

• Bread
• Crackers
• Granola bars
• Breakfast bars and pastries
• Cold cereal
• Nut butters
• Nuts and Seeds
• Jerky and dried meat sticks
• Powdered milk
• Canned evaporated milk
• Shelf-stable boxes of milk
• Snack puddings
• Hard cheeses
• Snack packs of cheese and crackers

• Soups, stews and chilis
• Pastas
• Fruits and vegetables
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Chicken
• Pork and beans

• Carrots
• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Other firm, fresh fruit

It is not recommended to store food outside during a winter power outage as environmental factors such as sunlight can affect food temperature. In addition, wild or neighborhood animals can come feast on your food.

For more info contact ncsafeplates@ncsu.edu.

For additional FCS information, contact 919-496-3344, FCS Agent Dominque Simon