Showing guidance for Canada
Home / Guides / Food

Fridge and Freezer Food Safety in a Power Outage: Keep or Toss?

Updated October 28, 2026By the Prep For Outage Team2 min readSources linkedHow we choose

Advertiser disclosure: some links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission. It never changes our advice. Details

On this pageThe timing rulesWhat to throw outWhat is usually fineMake it lastQuick answers

How long food stays safe in a closed fridge and freezer, what to throw out, and how to make it last longer.

Key takeaways
  • Closed fridge: about 4 hours. Full freezer: about 48 hours.
  • Throw out perishables that were above 4 C (40 F) for 2 hours or more.
  • Use a thermometer. Do not rely on smell or taste.
Rule of thumb: a closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds for about 48 hours (about 24 hours if half full) if the door stays shut. When in doubt, throw it out.

The timing rules

WhereHow long it stays cold with the door closed
RefrigeratorAbout 4 hours
Full freezerAbout 48 hours
Half-full freezerAbout 24 hours

These are common figures from Canadian and US food safety guidance. Check your health authority's current advice.

What to throw out

  • Perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, cooked leftovers, cut fruit) that has been above 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) for 2 hours or more.
  • Anything that smells off or has an unusual look or texture. Do not taste it to check.
  • Food that has thawed and been left warm. Food that still has ice crystals or is at fridge temperature may be refrozen or cooked, following official guidance.
How ready are you?Take the 14-question readiness quiz and see your biggest gaps in 2 minutes.
Take the quiz

What is usually fine

  • Hard cheeses, butter, and most condiments, whole fruit and vegetables.
  • Unopened shelf-stable items.

Make it last

  1. Keep doors closed. Plan what you will take out in one trip.
  2. Group frozen food together in the freezer. Full freezers hold cold longer.
  3. Freeze containers of water ahead of a storm. They keep a cooler cold and become drinking water later.
  4. Use a fridge thermometer. It is the only reliable way to know the temperature.
  5. Use up fresh food from the fridge first, then the freezer, then the pantry.

A power station can run a fridge for part of a day, which also helps.

Quick answers

Can I refreeze thawed food?

Often, if it still has ice crystals or is at fridge temperature, following official guidance. Never refreeze food that sat warm.

Is it safe to eat food from a cooler?

Only if it stayed at or below 4 C (40 F). Use a thermometer.

Get the free 72-hour kit

A printable checklist, water planner and emergency contacts page. No signup.

Download the PDF Try the outage planner

Keep reading

RelatedFridge runtimeWorked examples.Read next →RelatedEmergency food kitsWhat to compare before you buy.Read next →Related10 step planThe whole plan on one page.Read next →RelatedHow to Prepare Your Freezer for a Power OutageSimple steps to keep food frozen longer in a power outage: fill gaps, add ice blocks, group food, use a thermometer and keep the door closed.Read next →RelatedDoes Home Insurance Cover Food Spoilage in an Outage?How to check whether your home insurance covers spoiled food after a power outage, what to document and what questions to ask your insurer.Read next →RelatedHow Many Watts Does a Chest Freezer Use? Backup GuideLearn running vs start watts for a chest freezer, how cycling affects battery runtime, and how to keep food safe during an outage.Read next →

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we make money. General information only, not professional advice.

Get the free 72-hour kit (PDF)