As the city of Lincoln works to restore power to thousands of homes in the dark after Wednesday night’s fast and fierce storm system, county health officials are issuing a few safety reminders for residents without power.
Food Safety
Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after a power outage. For Lincoln area residents and businesses without power, please use caution before eating or preparing perishable foods. During a power outage, refrigerated food will only stay safe for up to four hours. Frozen foods can be kept up to 48 hours in a full freezer or up to 24 hours if the freezer is half full.
After four hours without power, begin to assess and throw out refrigerated food items. Any food with an unusual smell, color or texture should be thrown out.
You can safely refreeze frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below.
Bottom line: When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions about food safety can be answered by local health officials 402-441-6280. For more information about food safety after a power outage, visit cdc.gov/food-safety.
Tips on Staying Cool
Temperatures are expected to be around 90 Thursday, August 1.
If you are still effected by power outages, health officials encourage going to a friend or relative’s house to stay cool.
Residents can also cool off during regular business hours at libraries, recreation centers and senior centers (for adults 60 and older), or other public locations such as shopping malls and theaters.