The snow storm is officially over, and it’s time to get the house back to normal. In addition to shoveling your driveway and walkways, here are a few additional things to take care of:
- Clear the snow from exhaust pipes, and vents for heaters, furnaces and dryers.
- Rake your roof with a snow rake to prevent ice dams.
- Assess your refrigerator and freezer, if you lost power.
Did you know that consuming foods such as meat, seafood, poultry and eggs that were not properly refrigerated can cause you to be sick, even if you cook them properly?
According to the FDA, the temperature for a refrigerator should be at or below 40 °F and the freezer should be at or below 0 °F.
- A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, if the door was not opened. Plan to toss any perishable foods (like meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs) if your refrigerator has been above 40 °F for more than two hours.
- A freezer will keep the temperature for 24 hours if it is half full, and 48 hours if it is full. In both cases, the door needs to remain closed.
Not sure if a particular food is safe? I follow this general rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
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