Guidelines For Food Safety During a Power Outage in Wauconda?

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours daily in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams restore storm damage every year in Wauconda. After a power outage, ensuring food safety is crucial to prevent illness caused by spoiled or contaminated food. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Check the Temperature: Discard perishable foods stored above 40°F for over 2 hours. Food thermometers can be used to check the temperature of refrigerated foods.

Inspect Food: Examine perishable items such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and leftovers for signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, unusual texture, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.

Keep Freezer Closed: A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will maintain temperature for about 24 hours if the door remains closed. Avoid opening the freezer unnecessarily to preserve the cold.

Consume or Cook Perishables: Consume refrigerated perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and leftovers within 4 hours if stored above 40°F. Alternatively, cook these foods thoroughly to kill any bacteria before consumption.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food to prevent cross-contamination. Clean and sanitize utensils, countertops, and surfaces that may have come into contact with spoiled food.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Wauconda has a storm damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

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