As high winds cause power outages across Colorado, state health officials are urging residents to take steps to keep food safe and prevent illness. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued guidance for managing food safety during these outages.
“When outages happen, people are already dealing with enough. These simple food safety steps are meant to help reduce one more risk, so no one has to deal with a preventable illness on top of everything else,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, deputy chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
According to CDPHE, it is important to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during a power outage. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours if left unopened. If an outage is expected to last longer than four hours, using coolers with ice is recommended.
Perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, cooked leftovers, and cut fruits or vegetables should be kept at or below 40°F to remain safe. If the power has been out for four hours or more and perishable foods were not kept cold with ice or in a cooler, they should be discarded even if they appear normal. Bacteria that cause illness may not be visible or detectable by smell or taste.
High winds can also create hazardous conditions beyond power loss. Residents are advised to follow local safety guidance and check on neighbors who may need additional support during extended outages. State public health agencies continue coordinating with emergency management teams and utility companies to monitor impacts and share information with communities.
More details on keeping food safe after disasters or emergencies can be found on the CDC’s Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html
