With major winter storm approaching, Ohio State experts offer food safety tips for power outages and snowed-in days

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A powerful winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, dangerous wind chills, and potential power outages across the region this weekend has food safety experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) highlighting the importance of preparing now-and of stocking up on more than just bread and milk.

While grocery store runs ahead of winter weather often focus on those two staples, experts say real preparedness means having at least three days' worth of food and water for each person - and pet - in the household. That means checking pantries and refrigerators now and filling in the gaps before the worst of the storm hits.

"Being prepared with safe, shelf-stable foods helps reduce stress and protect your health if you lose power or can't travel," said Kate Shumaker, an Ohio State University Extension educator and registered dietitian. "Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator so you know the precise inside temperature during an outage."

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES, with educators in all 88 Ohio counties providing science-based information and resources related to health, food safety, and emergency preparedness.

Storm threat and why it matters

The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings for much of Ohio, with forecasts calling for accumulating snow, plummeting wind chills and scattered power outages due to ice and heavy, wet snow. Travel may become hazardous late Saturday into Monday, with dangerous cold lasting into early next week.

Officials say now is the time to gather emergency food, water and supplies in case roads become impassable or electricity is lost.

A look back - and a lesson forward

The instinct to stock up on bread and milk dates back to the Blizzard of 1978, when many New Englanders were trapped at home for weeks. But experts say that won't be enough if the power goes out or you can't leave home for several days.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day and a three-day supply of food that does not require refrigeration, cooking or extensive prep.

What to keep in your pantry

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Red Cross recommend stocking up on nonperishable food for everyone in your household, including pets.

Suggested items include:

• Shelf-stable or powdered milk
• Canned soups, stews, vegetables and beans
• Dried meats like jerky or vacuum-sealed tuna or chicken
• Granola or protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, whole-grain crackers, nuts, peanut butter, applesauce and fruit cups
• Apples, oranges and other fruits with longer shelf life
• Canned juices or other shelf-stable drinks
• Baby food or formula, especially ready-to-feed varieties
• Dry or canned pet food, plus extra water for pets

Keep a manual can opener, paper plates and disposable utensils on hand in case of extended outages.

If the power goes out

To maintain cold temperatures, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about four hours. A full freezer maintains temperature for 48 hours - 24 if half full.

Shumaker recommends a simple freezer check: "Keep several ice cubes in a zipper bag or small container. If they've melted, the temperature was above 32 degrees."

Once the power returns

Check each item separately before eating. Any perishable food kept at 40 degrees or higher for over two hours should be discarded. That's the "danger zone" where bacteria grow quickly, according to the CDC.

Foods to throw away if above 40 degrees for more than two hours:

• Meat, poultry and seafood
• Soft or shredded cheeses
• Milk, cream, yogurt and other dairy products
• Opened baby formula
• Eggs and egg products
• Dough and cooked pasta
• Cut fruits, leafy greens and other prepared produce

The USDA also advises tossing food that smells off, looks discolored, feels warm or has an odd texture.

Foods usually safe to keep even after brief warming:

• Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan
• Grated Parmesan or Romano in a jar or can
• Butter and margarine
• Opened fruit juices and canned fruits
• Condiments like mustard, ketchup, jelly, pickles and soy or barbecue sauce
• Peanut and other nut butters
• Vinegar-based salad dressings
• Breads, muffins, tortillas and fruit pies
• Waffles, pancakes and bagels
• Uncut raw fruits and vegetables, herbs and mushrooms

Inspect all foods for signs of spoilage before eating or serving them.

What to do with frozen food

If your freezer items still contain ice crystals or remain at 40 degrees or below, they can usually be safely refrozen. But thawed foods may not maintain quality.

"Some foods that might have completely thawed, such as raw meat, you might not want to refreeze due to a decrease in quality," Shumaker said. "These products could be cooked first and then frozen in their cooked form - such as ground beef crumbles or chicken pieces."

Act now to stay safe

CFAES experts say taking a few minutes to check your food and water supplies now can help keep your household safe and nourished through the storm.

For more food safety tips during winter storms and other emergencies, visit FoodSafety.gov.