Food safety - power cuts Food safety following floods Food that is not in waterproof, sealed containers and that has been affected by floodwaters should not be eaten.  Please dispose of it carefully so that other people do not eat it. Food safety in a power cut Sudden power cuts are frustrating and troublesome especially when they are prolonged. There are the immediate problems of cooking, lighting and heating.  Cold showers are very unappealing in the middle of winter. We often forget about the food stored away in our refrigerator and freezer.  If these foods warm up to above 5 degrees Celsius they can become unpleasant to eat and even make us very sick. What can you do to protect the food in your refrigerator and freezer during a power cut and how do you know what is safe to eat? Protecting the food in your refrigerator and freezer during a power cut A freezer that is half full will be okay for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours. The first advice is to not open the door of the refrigerator or freezer.  Make sure you tell everyone in the house including the children.  It might be a good idea to hang a big notice on the door to remind everyone. An unopened refrigerator will keep your food cool for at least 2 hours.  A freezer that is half full will be okay for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.