Keeping Food Safe During Power Outages in Sydney’s Summer Heat

Summer in Australia is just around the corner, bringing more sun-soaked beach days, backyard barbecues, and outdoor adventures. But with the rising heat, there’s also an increased risk of power outages, as seen in Sydney today. When the power goes out, keeping your food safe becomes a critical task—especially during scorching temperatures.

Here’s how you can protect your food and health during power outages this summer, whether you’re in Sydney or any other part of the country.

Why Food Safety is Critical During Power Outages

The combination of summer heat and power outages creates a perfect storm for foodborne illnesses. Without power, fridges and freezers quickly lose their ability to keep perishable foods cold. Foods that enter the “temperature danger zone” of 5°C to 60°C can allow harmful bacteria to grow rapidly, turning otherwise safe meals into health hazards.

With Sydney’s summer heat already making an impact, it’s essential to prepare for more potential outages across the country as temperatures climb.

Tips to Keep Food Safe During Power Outages

1. Keep the Doors Shut

Your fridge and freezer can only retain cold temperatures if their doors stay closed.

• Fridge: Keeps food cold for up to 4 hours if unopened.
• Freezer: Can maintain its temperature for 24–48 hours, depending on how full it is.

Every time you open the door, warm air rushes in, reducing the time your food remains safe.

Use an Appliance Thermometer

Having thermometers in your fridge and freezer helps you monitor their temperatures during a power outage.

Safe freezer temperature: below -18°C.

Safe fridge temperature: below 5°C.

If temperatures rise above 5°C for more than 2 hours, perishable foods may no longer be safe to eat.

3. Be Prepared with Ice Packs and Coolers

Before summer kicks into full swing, stock your freezer with ice packs or frozen water bottles.

• During an outage, use these to keep perishable foods cool in your fridge or in a cooler.
• Frozen bottles can also serve as emergency drinking water once thawed.

An insulated cooler is a lifesaver for extended outages, allowing you to transfer critical items like milk, meat, and seafood to a separate, chilled space.

4. Group Foods Together

In your freezer, grouping foods together helps them stay cold longer. A fully stocked freezer retains cold more effectively than a half-empty one. For your fridge, move the most perishable items to the coldest part, usually at the back.

5. Plan Ahead for Extended Outages

If you live in an area prone to power outages, consider investing in:

• A portable generator to keep your fridge and freezer running during extended outages.
• Shelf-stable food supplies such as canned goods, dried fruit, and long-life milk.

Keep an emergency food safety checklist handy to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

When to Discard Food After an Outage

Once power is restored, assess your food carefully:

• Fridge items: Discard perishable foods if the power was out for more than 4 hours and the fridge temperature exceeded 5°C. This includes meat, seafood, dairy, and leftovers.
• Freezer items: If food still contains ice crystals or is cold to the touch (below 5°C), it is safe to refreeze or cook. Fully thawed food that has been above 5°C for over 2 hours should be discarded.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to err on the side of caution than risk foodborne illness.

Keeping Non-Perishables Handy

During power outages, non-perishable foods are essential. Stock up on items that don’t require refrigeration:

• Canned vegetables, soups, and tuna
• Peanut butter and spreads
• Crackers, long-life bread, and cereal
• Dried fruits, nuts, and muesli bars

Extra Tips for Australia’s Summer Heat

• Stay hydrated: Heatwaves combined with power outages can quickly lead to dehydration. Store extra drinking water to keep yourself and your family hydrated.
• Avoid frequent appliance use: The less often you open your fridge or freezer, the longer they’ll stay cold.
• Monitor weather forecasts: Be aware of heatwave predictions and prepare in advance with ice, coolers, and non-perishables.

Be Ready, Stay Safe

Power outages in Sydney’s summer heat, or anywhere in Australia, can be a challenge, but with preparation, you can minimise risks. By keeping your fridge and freezer doors shut, maintaining proper temperatures, and planning ahead with ice packs and non-perishable foods, you’ll protect your health and your food supplies.

For more tips or to learn about food safety training, contact CFT International. We’re here to help you stay informed and prepared for any food safety challenge this summer.

Protect your food. Protect your health. Be summer-ready with CFT International!