Good Lifestyle

The winter storms hit many parts of the country last week, even bringing unusual ice and snow in places in the West and South Center. With power outages and water, people have beenforced to look for other means To stay warm and keep fresh food. But, the USDA warns against putting food in the snow to keep it cold because itcan be dangerous.

Without power, a full freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours if it is not open,The USDA says. A refrigerator can stay cold for only 4 hours after purchase. It is better to have a backup plan in case of emergency, butTaking out of food, although in coolers, shouldnotto be one. Even during winter storms, the food stored outdoors can spoil because of temperature fluctuations (the sun can heat coolers even if they stay closed). They also run the risk of picking germs in unhealthy conditions or exposed to animals. Instead of letting frozen and refrigerated articles perishable outdoors if the power is out, the USDA has just offered a cleaning product, safer and easier solution. (In touch:The 7 healthiest foods to eat right now.)

He suggested filling things like empty buckets, cartons of milk, or boxes with water and leaving them outside to freeze, then put them in the refrigerator, freezer, or coolers inside .

A complete list of refrigerated and frozen foods and when it is safe or freeze compared to when they should be discarded, ishere.

To learn more about the severe conditions that have struck places like Texas last week, here's whyWalmart closed hundreds of shops andHow residents flocked to this grocery store for comfort. To get all the latest news from food security directly in your e-mail box every day,Subscribe to our newsletter!