No power and no ice? Learn the fridge and freezer time limits, how frozen water containers help, and when to keep or toss food after an outage.
- An unopened fridge holds cold about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours and a half full one about 24 hours.
- Freeze water in clean containers ahead of time, keep doors shut, and use a thermometer to check 4 C (40 F).
- Discard perishable food above 4 C (40 F) for 2 hours or more, and when in doubt, throw it out.
When the power goes out, most people reach for ice, which may not be available. This guide covers official time limits and how to use the cold you already have.
Know your time limits
An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer keeps food frozen for about 48 hours and a half full one about 24. Open doors only when you must.
Prepare before the outage
Keep thermometers in both appliances (fridge 4 C or colder, freezer minus 18 C or colder). Freeze water in clean containers such as milk cartons and fill gaps in the freezer with them. Write down when the power went out.
Keep cold without buying ice
Group food together, keep doors shut, and move frozen water containers into the fridge or a cooler as the outage goes on. Eat the most perishable food first. Keep the cooler out of the sun, packed tightly, and wrapped in a blanket.
A word about winter
Do not rely on the outdoors: sun, wind, animals and temperature swings are hard to control. If you use a secured cooler outside, check it with a thermometer.
After the power returns
Discard perishable food that was above 4 C (40 F) for 2 hours or more, or has an unusual smell, colour or texture. Food with ice crystals can be refrozen. Never taste food to test it. See meat, dairy and eggs: keep or toss. Insulin and refrigerated medication have their own rules: ask your pharmacist.
Quick answers
How long does food stay cold in a fridge without power?
About 4 hours if the door stays closed.
Can I put food outside in winter?
Outdoor temperatures swing, so use a thermometer and keep food at 4 C (40 F) or colder.
What about insulin?
Ask your pharmacist or health provider.