How to prevent food spoilage during an extended power outage

Nick Donovan • Dec 14, 2022

How to protect your food from spoiling

Living in South East Louisiana, residents are used to extended power outages, especially during hurricane season. In 2005 it took over 40 days for power to return in some areas affected by the storm. But even just a few hours or days without electricity can be enough to cause food loss and spoilage.


A power outage lasting more than a few hours can be a real pain, especially if you're stuck at home with no access to food. But don't worry—with the proper preparation and knowledge, you can never go hungry during an extended power outage. Here are some tips and tricks to protect your food from spoilage and prevent waste. 

Freeze Your Food Items Ahead of Time

If you know there's an impending storm or blackout, it's best to start freezing as many items as possible. This will help them stay fresh and prevent spoilage until the power is restored; if you have a deep freezer, great! If not, any freezer should do the trick—ensure all food items are tightly sealed in airtight containers or bags before being frozen. 


Stock up on Non-Perishable Foods 

Non-perishable foods such as canned fish, beans, and dried fruits are great options for stocking up in case of an extended power outage. Not only do they last longer than perishable foods, but they also provide a variety of nutrients so you won't go hungry while waiting for the lights to come back on! These items are also often cheaper than their perishable counterparts so you can save some extra money. 


Invest in a Cooler or Ice Box 

A cooler or ice box is essential for keeping your food cool during extended periods without electric power. Fill it with ice packs or regular ice cubes (if available) to keep the contents cold and prevent spoilage from occurring too quickly. Check your cooler regularly to see if any ice needs replacing or if food items must be re-frozen or thrown out due to spoilage. 



Keep Your Refrigerator Closed 

When the power goes out, one of your main concerns should be keeping your refrigerator closed as much as possible. This will help keep your food cold for extended periods to stay fresh when temperatures start rising inside your home due to a lack of electricity. Try moving perishable items into an ice chest or cooler with some ice packs or freezer packs if you don't have access to a generator or other alternative source of energy during the outage period.


Invest in a Generator 

Investing in a generator may be worth it if you live in an area prone to frequent power outages. Generators are great because they provide emergency power when needed and can help protect your refrigerated food from going bad before the electricity comes back on. Generators are relatively easy to install and use, so even if you don't consider yourself tech-savvy, you should still be able to operate one without any trouble.

Whole House Generator Benefits

Keep food safe and prevent spoilage.

Continuing to power essential appliances such as a refrigerator and freezer is vital during long power outages. This will help keep food at safe temperatures and prevent spoilage.


Protect electronics and other sensitive equipment

Whole house generators provide power to more than just the fridge—they can also protect expensive electronics, medical devices, and other sensitive equipment from potential damage.


Maintain comfort and convenience during an outage

A generator can help keep your home comfortable and functional during extended power outages. They can provide heat, air conditioning, lighting, cooking appliances, hot water, and even Wi-Fi / Internet access if needed.


Contact Catahoula Eclectic LLC for Generator Installation

If you’re ready to purchase and install a generator for your home, contact Catahoula Eclectic LLC today. We offer a wide selection of generators to fit any budget or need and our expert technicians can take care of the installation quickly and easily. With us, you can rest assured that your food will stay safe and your home comfortable during any extended power outage.

Conclusion

Power outages can be inconvenient but with a bit of preparation ahead of time (stocking up on supplies), investing in a generator (if necessary), and keeping your refrigerator closed (to maintain colder temperatures) - you can rest assured knowing that your food won't go wrong before the power comes back on again! So next time you experience a blackout - stay calm and remember these tips for protecting yourself from potential food waste!

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How do Home Generators work? Generators are machines that take energy from a fuel engine and transform it into electrical power using a generator head. The generator head creates an electromagnetic field that produces electricity when it spins. The electricity is then supplied to the home during a power outage. What are the essential components of a functioning generator? Fuel engine Electricity is produced as the generator head spins under an engine's power, with diesel, propane, and natural gas all being viable fuel sources. Generator Head The generator head is part of the generator that produces electricity when it spins. The head contains a set of magnetic coils that generate an electromagnetic field when they spin. This creates the electricity used to power a home during a power outage. Control Panel The control panel is a generator's main component, allowing users to monitor and adjust its performance. It also includes safety features that keep the generator from overloading or running too hot. Battery Many generators boast a battery, allowing you to start the generator without having to manually pull-start - offering convenience and ease. Electrical power supply The generator head is connected to an electrical power supply, typically a transfer switch outside the home. This allows the electricity to be sent into a home during a power outage. The power supply may also require additional wiring and connections to prevent system overloading. What is needed to install a generator at my home? Installing backup generators in home requires a licensed electrician to connect the power supply and meet all safety regulations. In some cases, additional wiring may also be necessary for optimal performance. Additionally, it is essential to choose the best home generator for power outages that is appropriate for your home's needs. A typical home generator installation includes... Generator Generator Stand Transfer Switch Surge Protector The Generator The generator will be the primary source of power during a power outage. There are many brands to choose from Generac to Briggs and Stratton. To find a local dealer consider searching for a "Generac home generators near me" to find a dealer near you. Generator Stand This allows the generator to be placed in an elevated, secure location such as a patio or deck area. It is designed to reduce noise and vibration, making it easier on the ears during operation. Transfer Switch The transfer switch is connected to your home's power and automatically transfers power from the generator to your home while simultaneously disconnecting your home power from the local utility during a power outage. Surge Protector A surge protector should be installed between the generator and the transfer switch to protect your home from voltage spikes when the generator starts up
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