Health Department Issues Safety Reminders for Residents Without Power

Health Department Issues Safety Reminders for Residents Without Power

Published on August 01, 2024

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today issued 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.
• Throw out refrigerated food after four hours without power.
• 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.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

If you have questions about food safety, contact the Health Department's Food Safety Program at 402-441-6280. For more information about food safety after a power outage, visit Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency | Food Safety | CDC.

Staying Cool

Temperatures are expected to be around 90 Thursday, August 1. Those without air conditioning may consider 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.