Fridge and freezer without power? Your food-related questions answered.

Duke Energy crews are working to assess the damage from a powerful storm that downed trees and knocked out power to 70% of customers in Monroe County, but it hours or even days before power is fully restored.

That leaves many people wondering about the safety of the food they have in their refrigerator and freezer.

How long will food in the fridge or freezer stay safe?

Refrigerators can keep food safe for up to four hours, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meaning those whose power has not yet been restored will have to throw away much of the food in their fridge. Food can be transferred to a cooler with ice and frozen gel packs, although ice must be replaced as it melts. 

Full freezers can keep food cold for around 48 hours and half-full freezers can for 24 hours. Ensure refrigerator and freezer doors are closed to maximize their cooling effect. Large food items kept in the back of the freezer will stay frozen longer than items placed closer to the freezer door. 

How do I know if food is safe to eat after a power outage?

After four hours without power, eggs, opened juices and all meat, including lunch meat and hotdogs, should be thrown out. Leftovers, creamy salad dressings and most dairy products must also be discarded. The USDA recommends throwing things out if there is any doubt about its freshness, including unusual odors, colors or textures. 

Foods that are likely safe are non-creamy salad dressings, pickles, ketchup and other high-acid foods. Unopened juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, hard cheeses, butter and baked goods without a cream filling are also good to eat.

Food pantries open for food insecure

Those who need food can go to Pantry 279 in Ellettsville or Community Kitchen in Bloomington.

Pantry 279 is currently without power but opened early today, around 1 p.m., to distribute produce and other foods stored in its refrigerators and freezers. The pantry is asking for people to loan spare coolers and donate ice to keep food items fresh. The pantry may be able to use a backup generator to return power to its freezers. 

A new blow:Summer kids program at Pantry 279 continues despite recent theft of food

The pantry also urges people only take food if they truly need it and have not already been to the pantry earlier this week. 

Community Kitchen has power and will function normally today, the organization wrote in a Facebook post, although its phone and internet is down. The kitchen opens at 4 p.m. today.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard wrote in a Facebook post its pantry is closed today, though the organization anticipates opening again Thursday.

What restaurants and grocery stores are open?

Walmart and Target are both open and have power. The Aldi at 2813 E. Third St. is open as well. 

Open restaurants include Smokin’ Jack’s Rib Shack, Maru Products Artisanal Bakery and Lennie’s, according to their Facebook pages. The Elm will open at 5 p.m. today.

Nick’s English Hut, Runcible Spoon and Verona Coffee House are among the restaurants closed today, according to their Facebook pages.