If the power to the fridge goes out, you’re probably panicking about what to do with a refrigerator full of groceries. From power outages to mechanical malfunctions, a fridge shutdown happens to most homeowners at some point. Below are three tips for keeping your fresh food safe while you wait for refrigerator repair.

How to Save Food When the Fridge Is Out

1. Keep the Fridge Closed

If you notice that the fridge is off, ensure the doors stay shut. This helps minimize temperature changes inside, preserving the coolness. If you’re able to restore power or solicit the help of a refrigerator repair professional within a couple of hours, this step should suffice in maintaining the safety of your food.

2. Buy Ice

Some power outages to the fridge take more time to fix. If you expect the refrigerator repair to take more than two hours, prepare to keep your food safe in other ways. One easy way is to buy ice to put on top of the food that needs to stay cold. You can also place frozen water bottles in the fridge and freezer to help bring temperatures down. Again, keep the doors shut as much as you can.

3. Have Coolers Handy

Sometimes a professional will need complete access while working on the appliance. If this is the case, you may need to take the food out of the fridge. Keep a few coolers in the garage or basement that you can pull out and put perishable items in. Top with some ice to keep your food safe. Don’t consume anything that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. If food has been exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees for more than an hour, throw it out.

If the power to your fridge goes out and you can’t discern the problem, contact the professionals at Complete Appliance Service. The trusted repair service has been helping clients in Greater Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky for decades. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 661-3708 or visit their website.