Smart Strategies for Managing Perishable Food During a Power Outage

Nearly 6,900 PG&E customers in Los Osos experienced a power outage on Monday night. For Mary Cicchillo, a local resident, the darkness was a sudden reminder of how unsettling these situations can be. “I looked out the window, and it was just pitch black. We grabbed some candles and flashlights and decided to hit the hay early,” she said.

Mary lost power for about 2.5 hours. “We didn’t open the fridge on purpose,” she added. The FDA has some guidelines to handle food safety during outages: keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, consider using dry ice, and throw away perishables if they’ve been at room temperature for over two hours. Mary felt confident because her freezer produces a decent amount of ice.

According to the FDA, unopened refrigerators can keep food cold for about four hours. For freezers, a full one retains temperature for 48 hours, while a half-full unit lasts around 24 hours. “I avoided opening the fridge unnecessarily. Instead, I went to my garage freezer for ice,” Jim Dickey, another Los Osos resident, noted.

As for compensation, PG&E provides a storm inconvenience credit for outages lasting more than 48 hours. The credits start at $25 but won’t apply in this case since the outage was under two hours. Here’s how the credit works:

• 48 to 72 hours: $25
• 72 to 96 hours: $50
• 96 to 120 hours: $75
• 120 hours or more: $100

PG&E indicated that the power outage was due to issues on a circuit protected by Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings.

Experts recommend being prepared for emergencies. “Having a backup plan is crucial, whether it’s for power outages or natural disasters,” said Jim. He advises keeping at least a three-day supply of food and water on hand.

In recent trends, social media discussions show many people are sharing tips on preparedness. It’s clear: power outages can be inconvenient, but being prepared can make a big difference.

For more guidance on emergency preparedness, you can visit Ready.gov.

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