What to Do With Food After a Fire is Out

When Your Home Freezer Stops

Food will stay frozen longer if:

1.   The freezer is completely full rather than only partially filled.

2.   The freezer is filled with meat rather than with baked foods.

3.   The freezer is well insulated rather than poorly insulated.

4.   The food is completely frozen rather than partially frozen.

If 25 pounds of dry ice is placed into the freezer soon after the power is shut off, the temperature should be stable for two to three days in a ten-cubic foot cabinet with a half load or three to four days in a fully loaded cabinet.  Or, move the entire contents of the freezer to a commercial freezer or to a friend's or neighbor's freezer.

Ice or Dry Ice

Look in the local yellow pages of your telephone directory to purchase ice or dry ice.

Food

Partial thawing and refreezing will reduce the quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods.  Refreezing food is a safe practice if the food is only partially thawed and still contains visible ice crystals.

Meats

Meat products are not safe to eat if the color or odor is questionable.  If in doubt,  get rid of it!

Fruit

Fruit may absorb smoke or other byproducts of fire, leaving it discolored and bitter to the taste.  It is best to get rid of fruit that has been exposed to fire.

Ice Cream or Ice Milk

Do not use or consume the product after it has melted.

Food in Glass Jars

If the jar was subjected to heat and is cracked or has a broken seal, throw it away.

Food in Tin Cans

If the can was subject to heat and has bulged, is badly dented, or is rusted, throw it away.

Medicines and Cosmetics

Discard them if contamination is suspected.

REMEMBER - "If in doubt, throw it out!"