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Resident seeks food safety advice after 20-hour power outage strikes city: 'Toss everything in your fridge'

"I'd be cautious thawing out meats and giving them a good look before preparing."

One Redditor asked the community for thoughts on the proper refrigerator protocol following an extended loss of power.

Photo Credit: iStock

If you have ever found yourself caught in a severe weather event, then you already know that losing power can be a common occurrence. Unfortunately, this can leave some homeowners in the dark for days or even weeks. 

In a post to r/Tallahassee, one Redditor asked the community for thoughts on the proper refrigerator protocol following an extended loss of power. 

"For those who also lost power around 20 hrs....what did you keep and or throw away from fridge?" they asked

When the lights go out for days, it can be tough to get by. Home battery storage systems are one of the best ways to provide power during outages, ensuring important appliances such as refrigerators and medical devices keep on running. 

Besides offering peace of mind, battery storage systems can also lead to significant financial savings by using stored energy during expensive peak demand times. Not only can this increase your energy independence, but when paired with solar panels, it also can create your very own sustainable, self-generated energy.

You can check out Pila's home battery storage options if you're looking for an inexpensive alternative to a full home backup. It can make for the ideal option for both renters and homeowners who are working with limited space since you can just plug the batteries into a normal outlet. 

Plus, you only need one battery to protect your most important appliances, meaning you aren't required to back up your entire house, which can often stretch even the biggest budgets. 

In the comments section, users shared their thoughts on the lifespan of a powerless fridge. 

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"Twenty hours? Toss everything in your fridge," one person suggested. "A fridge can typically only keep food cold for about four hours after the power goes out." 

Another user noted: "They say freezers half full are good for 24 hours. Totally full good for 48. I'd be cautious thawing out meats and giving them a good look before preparing just to be safe."

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If you're interested in keeping your fridge running and your food safe to eat, a Pila home battery might be the perfect option for you and your home.

For others looking for systems that offer a little more juice, EnergySage can help you find a great backup power option.

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