From More In My Basket

Before the storm: prepare all food storage areas

1. Clean and organize all spaces Whether it’s the fridge, freezer, or pantry, now is the time to clean house. Get rid of expired, spoiled, or nearly empty items. Clearing space helps cold air circulate better in your fridge/freezer – and helps you spot what foods need better storage in your cabinets.
2. Elevate and protect shelf-stable foods Move canned goods, grains, and other pantry staples off the floor and onto higher, stable shelves – especially if you’re in a flood-prone area. Water damage or pests can make food unsafe even if it's never opened.
3. Use clear containers and labels Store dry goods like pasta, rice, flour, or cereal in airtight containers. Label everything with best-by dates. This helps prevent spoilage, keeps pests out, and makes it easier to take inventory quickly before and after a storm.
4. Choose cool, dry, and dark spaces Pantries and cabinets should be cool (ideally below 75°F), dry, and out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing food near stoves, dishwashers, or other heat-producing appliances. Even shelf-stable food can degrade in high humidity or heat.
5. Prep with the frozen penny test This is a simple way to tell if your freezer stayed cold, but it takes a little bit of preparation beforehand:
   • Freeze a small cup of water, then place a penny on top of the ice. 
   • If the penny is still on top when you return to your freezer, your food likely stayed frozen and safe through any power outages.
   • If the penny sank to the bottom, the freezer warmed enough to melt the ice – meaning your food likely thawed and refroze, and should be discarded. 

Fridge and freezer: maximize cold where it counts 

1. Freeze smart A full freezer holds cold longer than a half-full one. Group frozen items close together so they insulate each other. Freeze bottles of water or gel packs to help keep things cold longer during an outage.
2. Know where its coldest In your fridge, the coldest spot is usually the back of the bottom shelf. Store dairy, eggs, and leftovers there so they stay cold longer if the power goes out. If your fridge/freezer doesn’t have a built-in one, consider placing an inexpensive appliance thermometer inside.
3. Keep doors closed Avoid opening the fridge or freezer during an outage. Cold air escapes fast. A full, unopened freezer can stay cold up to 48 hours; a fridge stays safe for about 4 hours if left shut.
4. Shift to a cooler if needed If outages last more than a few hours, move your most perishable items to a cooler with ice or frozen water bottles. Store raw meats in leak-proof containers and keep them separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

After the storm: know what to keep

1. Check temps first When the power comes back, check appliance thermometers. If temperatures went above 40°F for more than four hours, it’s safest to discard perishable foods. If you prepped the frozen penny test, check the results.
2. Inspect pantry items If floodwater or moisture got into your pantry or cabinets, throw out anything in cardboard, paper, or non-sealed packaging – even if it looks dry. Cans that are dented, rusted, or swollen should also be discarded.
3. Clean storage areas Wipe down the inside of your fridge, freezer, and pantry with a mild bleach solution if you suspect flooding or spoilage. Let everything dry completely before restocking.

Protecting your food resources: smart use of SNAP benefits

• Use airtight containers and store dry goods off the floor to prevent pests or moisture damage.
• Keep shelf-stable foods in a cool, dry, dark location year-round.
• Use your freezer to preserve leftovers and extend the life of items bought with SNAP.
• Keep a cooler on hand in case you need to move refrigerated food quickly during an outage.

Final tip: when in doubt, throw it out

Sources:

• Food Safety at Home: Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy (Clemson Cooperative Extension)
• What to do if the Freezer Stops (UGA: National Center for Home Food Preservation)
• The Frozen Penny Test: A Simple Trick to Check Your Freezer’s Status After a Power Outage (University of California)
• Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
• Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (USDA)
• Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency (FSIS)