If you experience a power outage and the food in your freezer starts to thaw, there are a few steps you can take to minimize food waste and ensure safety:
Keep the freezer door closed: Opening the freezer door will let warm air in and accelerate the thawing process. Keeping the door closed as much as possible will help maintain the cold temperature inside.
Monitor the temperature: If you have a thermometer inside your freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. A good guideline is to ensure that the freezer temperature remains at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) for the food to be safe. If the temperature has risen above that level and the food has been thawed for an extended period, it may not be safe to consume.
Evaluate the food: Once the power is restored, assess the condition of the food. If there are ice crystals still present and the temperature has remained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), the food is generally safe to refreeze. However, if the food has reached room temperature or has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) for more than two hours, it is advisable to discard it to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Use a backup power source: Consider having a backup power source, such as a generator or battery-powered cooler, to help maintain the cold temperature during extended power outages.
Remember that food safety is crucial, and when in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution and discard any perishable food that may have been compromised during the power outage.