There are plenty of ways you can store your survival food, including Mylar bags, storage totes, jars, and more. But where should you put these containers? Should you refrigerate any of your emergency food? Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Shouldn’t Refrigerate Survival Food
Simply put, you shouldn’t refrigerate your survival food because you shouldn’t be purchasing survival food that requires refrigeration in the first place. The most common types of emergencies involve storms, which means there’s a high chance you lose power. And when the power goes out, your fridge goes with it. Plus, perishable foods in your fridge have very short shelf lives. You’d need to replace them often to make sure you have fresh options available in case of an emergency.
How Long Will Food Last in the Refrigerator During a Power Outage?
If the power goes out, certain foods in your fridge can spoil in a matter of hours. According to food safety experts, most foods will stay safe for up to four hours in your refrigerator (with the door closed). If your freezer is full, food can stay safe for up to 48 hours. If your freezer is only half-full, food can stay safe for up to 24 hours.
In an emergency that leads to a lack of power, you might have food for only 48 hours or less if you depend on frozen and refrigerated goods. Instead of risking it with your fridge, you want to stockpile survival food items with long shelf lives.
Food for Power Outages
An important part of emergency preparedness is knowing what you will eat to sustain you and your family. So, what can you eat when the power goes out?
Food From Your Fridge/Freezer that Might Be Safe
While you shouldn’t be stockpiling food in your fridge for an emergency, that doesn’t mean you have to toss the groceries already in your fridge when the unexpected happens. Some food will still be okay to eat during the first day or two after the power goes out. Stick to items like fresh produce, hard cheeses (such as cheddar), butter, and jelly.
However, if you’re unsure if a food is still good, the best option is always to throw it out. You don’t want to put your health in jeopardy when it matters most.
Food to Stockpile in Case of a Power Outage or Emergency
When it comes to food in case of power outages, you want to stock up on non-perishable food items with long shelf lives. Think canned goods like beans, tuna, meats, etc. Other great options include peanut butter, nuts, pasta, oatmeal, freeze-dried meats, and cereal.
To make sure you have the right food and nutrients available during a power outage, turn to 4Patriots survival food kits. Survival food kits help make emergency planning easier by giving you enough food to survive anywhere from three days (the recommended minimum you should be prepared for) to a year*. In these kits, you’ll find delicious foods jam-packed with flavor and variety — and you don’t have to worry about turning a hodgepodge of random ingredients into meals. The hard work is done for you.
In an emergency, you can’t rely on refrigerated food with a short shelf life. Stock up on long-term survival food from 4Patriots and your family will be prepared to weather the storm when disaster strikes.
*These kits are designed to provide energy and nutrients for one person in stressful emergency situations. They are not intended to be complete caloric replacements during “normal” times. You’ll want to make sure you have additional food items on hand so that in an extended emergency you’ll be able to supplement your daily calorie intake, nutrients and variety with additional food items available on this site, food you have stockpiled in your pantry, fresh produce from your garden, etc.
