Outage Readiness
How Long Is Food Safe in the Fridge Without Power?
Key takeaways
A source-led look at what to do when the refrigerator stops.
- A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours, according to USDA.
- A full, closed freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours (about 24 hours if half full).
- Throw out perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs and leftovers that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
- Never taste food to decide whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
What this guide covers
A source-led look at what to do when the refrigerator stops. The details depend on your home, equipment and the information on your own bill or appliance label.
Before the power goes out
Keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. USDA advises keeping the refrigerator at or below 40°F and the freezer at or below 0°F, so you have a reading to trust when the power returns.
- Freeze containers of water or gel packs ahead of time to help keep food cold.
- Know where you could get ice or dry ice locally.
- Keep a cooler handy for food you need to move.
During the outage
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each opening lets cold air out and shortens the safe window.
When the power comes back
Check the thermometers. Food in the freezer that still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be safely refrozen or cooked. For individual foods, use the FoodSafety.gov keep-or-toss chart.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
- FoodSafety.gov: Food Safety During Power Outage (keep-or-toss chart)
Sources checked November 12, 2026. Guidance can change, so follow the latest version of each source and your equipment manuals.