What to Do During a Power Outage
What to do during a Power Outage with a Maytag Refrigerator?
Power outages can occur without warning. Knowing what to do during a power outage, refrigerator owners can protect food, maintain safe temperatures, and reduce waste. This guide covers how to keep cold air inside, when to use ice or dry ice, how to evaluate food safety, and the steps to take once power returns. If you’re wondering what to do about a fridge when the power goes out, how long can a refrigerator go without power, how long will a fridge last without power, or how long does food last in a refrigerator without power, follow the guidance below.
Understanding Food Safety During Power Outages
Food safety is the top priority. Keeping food at safe temperatures slows bacterial growth and limits spoilage.
Key temperature guidelines:
- Refrigerated foods should stay at or below 40°F.
- Frozen foods should remain at or below 0°F.
- If the refrigerator has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours, perishable items should be discarded.
- A full freezer typically keeps food frozen for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full) when doors remain closed.
Signs of spoilage:
- Unusual or sour odors.
- Texture changes, such as curdled milk or slimy deli meats.
- Discoloration or excessive ice crystals may indicate thaw-and-refreeze.
- Perishables measured above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
Steps to Take During a Power Outage
If the power will be out for 24 hours or less, keep the door closed to help the food stay cold and frozen.
If the power is out for more than 24 hours, do one of the following:
- Remove all frozen food and store it in a frozen food locker.
- If a food locker is not available, consume or can perishable food at once.
NOTE: A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one. A freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If you see that food contains ice crystals, it may be refrozen, although the quality and flavor may be affected. If the condition of the food is poor, dispose of it
What to do after power is restored?
When electricity returns, evaluate food safety first, then restore normal operation. Do not taste food to determine safety—rely on temperatures and visual cues.
The Power Outage indicator (on some models) lets you know if the power supply to the refrigerator has been off and the freezer temperature has risen. The control panel display will read “Power Outage,” and an alert tone will sound three times. Touch any button to stop the tone, and touch any button again to turn off the Power Outage icon. Once the power outage has been confirmed, the “Power Outage” icon will disappear, and the display will return to the Home screen.
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