Hurricane safety precautions from the Alabama Department of Public Health
The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends all families in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Isaac take health and safety precautions.
State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson urges Alabamians to listen and follow warnings communicated through the news media.
Food Safety
Power outages prompt concerns about the safety of frozen and refrigerated foods. As a general rule, a full upright or chest freezer will keep foods frozen for about two days without power.
A partially full freezer will keep foods frozen for about one day. This time may be extended by keeping the door shut. A refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours if the door is kept closed as much as possible.
Any thawed foods that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. Foods still containing ice crystals can be refrozen, although the quality of the food may decrease.
