Food safety facts now on Red Cross Web site

The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter, Tinton Falls, recently posted on its Web site information and instructions pertaining to the safety of perishable foods after a power outage.

The Red Cross reports perishable foods are not safe if held above the temperature of 40 degrees for two or more hours, and refrigerated foods should be checked if the power has been out for two or more hours.

If a freezer door is not open, food in a half-full freezer should remain safe for 24 hours, and food in a full freezer should remain safe for 48 hours.

The Red Cross urges preparedness to help save food in a power outage. Each household should have one or more coolers, such as inexpensive Styrofoam coolers.

In the event of an extended outage, food should be stored in the coolers and packed in ice. Each household should also have a supply of nonperishable foods.

The Red Cross site is www.redcross.org/services/disaster/afterdis/food.html.