The City of Wichita Environmental Services Department reminds consumers that winter storms and power outages result in food safety issues which require special attention.

Be Prepared:

• Have a refrigerator thermometer.
• Know where you can get dry ice.
• Keep a few days worth of ready-to-eat, shelf-stable or canned food that does not require cooking or cooling on hand.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4-6 hours if it is unopened.
• Refrigerated foods should be kept at 40F or below.

• If an appliance thermometer was kept in the unit, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the thermometer reads 40F or below, the food is safe and may be kept refrigerated. It is safe to refreeze the food, but the quality and flavor of the food may be affected.
• If a thermometer has not been kept in the unit, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook and use.
• Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4-6 hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
• Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 45F for two hours or more.
• Remember: When in doubt, throw it out

All food and restaurant establishments must also follow state food safety requirements during any power outage. 

For additional information, please visit Wichita.gov and click on Environmental Services.