Power outage guide: food, generators, medicine and staying safe

Most outages are short. The ones that aren't bring a few specific dangers, and nearly all of them can be avoided.

Reviewed October 2026

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Keep the cold in

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24 hours, as long as the doors stay shut.

If the outage may last longer than 4 hours, move the food you will need into a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Block ice or dry ice keeps a fridge or freezer cold for longer. About 50 pounds of dry ice keeps a full 18-cubic-foot freezer cold for two days. Find out now where you can buy ice locally, because it sells out fast before a storm.

Before a forecast storm: turn the fridge and freezer to their coldest settings, freeze water bottles and gel packs, and put an appliance thermometer in each.

What to keep and what to throw away

• Freezer food that still has ice crystals, or reads 40°F or below on a thermometer, can be refrozen or cooked.
• Thawed freezer food that has warmed above 40°F should be thrown away.
• Anything with an unusual smell, color or texture goes, but looks and smell aren't reliable on their own. When in doubt, throw it out.

Generator safety

Generators used in the wrong place poison people with carbon monoxide after storms every year. The gas has no smell or color, and it can kill people while they sleep.

• Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from any window, door or vent.
• Never run one in a home, basement or garage, even with the doors and windows open.
• Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord longer than 20 feet so the generator can stay at a safe distance.
• Put battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them before storm season.
• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home, or a charcoal grill or camp stove indoors.

Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. If you suspect it, get everyone into fresh air and call 911. Poison Control is at 1-800-222-1222.

Medicine that needs refrigeration

If the power has been out for a day or more, throw away refrigerated medicine unless the label says otherwise. If someone's life depends on a refrigerated drug, such as insulin, keep using it until you can get a new supply, then replace it as soon as possible. Ask your pharmacist now about how your medicines should be stored in an emergency.

Coping with heat

In Florida, heat is often the bigger danger after a storm. Heat stroke can push body temperature to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and needs emergency care.

• Spend the hottest hours somewhere with air conditioning, such as a library, store or cooling center.
• Take cool showers or baths and drink water regularly.
• Fans alone won't prevent heat illness when it is very hot.
• Check on older neighbors and anyone living alone.

Coping with cold

• Layer blankets, sleeping bags and coats, and keep everyone in one room.
• Use fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters only as their makers intend, with care and good ventilation.
• Get medical help right away if someone's body temperature drops below 95°F.