Emergency & what to do Calculator

Freezer without power

How long food stays safe in a freezer during a power outage.

A full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours if the door stays closed; a half-full freezer about 24. Answer two quick questions to get your safe window, then follow the food-safety rules below.

Your situation

Full freezer (better insulated) Hot weather / door opened often

Based on USDA and FDA guidance: a full freezer keeps food safe about 48 hours, a half-full freezer about 24 hours, as long as the door stays closed.

Estimated safe window:

day(s) — keep the door closed

Keep food safe:

Keep the freezer and fridge doors closed — a closed freezer keeps food safe much longer.
Group food together: a full freezer stays cold longer.
Never taste food to check it: when in doubt, throw it out. Food that still contains ice crystals can usually be refrozen.
Block ice or frozen water bottles in the fridge help keep it cold during an outage.

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Planning aid only. This tool gives general estimates and standard procedures — not legal, financial or medical advice. In a life-threatening situation, call your local emergency number first. Always verify country-specific rules with official sources.