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The most important thing to remember is: keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed!

  • A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if the door is kept closed.
  • A full freezer will keep temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). If your freezer is not full, group packages so they form an “igloo” to protect each other. Place them to one side or on a tray so that if they begin thawing, their juices won’t get on other foods.
  • If the power is going to be out for an extended period of time, buy block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible.

More information is available from the Food Standards Agency.