Typhoon Bavi Threatens Power Outages! How to Keep Food Fresh in the Fridge? Panasonic Reveals '2 Tips' to Extend Cooling Time

Typhoon Bavi is approaching with strong winds and heavy rains, raising concerns about power outages. When electricity is cut, many households worry about how to preserve perishable foods like milk, meat, seafood, vegetables, and fruits stored in refrigerators. Panasonic explains that a typical refrigerator can maintain its internal low temperature for approximately 2 to 3 hours after power loss, as long as the door is not frequently opened. Therefore, there's no need to immediately remove all food items—following proper procedures can help reduce spoilage risks.

Panasonic recommends preparing cooling agents, ice packs, or water-filled PET bottles frozen in advance and stored in the freezer. During a power outage, quickly place these frozen items on the upper shelves of the refrigerator compartment. Cold air naturally sinks, so this helps slow down the temperature rise in the fridge. However, when moving items, minimize the time the door is open and avoid repeatedly opening the freezer, as this accelerates thawing of frozen foods. To prevent water leakage from melting ice, place newspapers or cloths around the fridge to absorb moisture and prevent slipping hazards.

The most important rule during a power outage is to avoid opening the refrigerator as much as possible. Some people may open the fridge repeatedly to check if food is still cold, but each opening causes cold air to escape, shortening the cooling duration. Panasonic advises informing all household members not to open the fridge and to check the door's rubber seal for wear and tear. A simple test: close the door on a business card placed in the gap—if it slides out easily, the seal may be compromised and should be inspected or replaced.

If the power outage lasts more than 3 hours, the internal temperature of the fridge may begin to rise, increasing the risk of spoilage. Perishable items such as fresh milk, raw meat, seafood, and eggs should be carefully monitored. If they develop an unusual odor, discoloration, or texture changes after prolonged exposure to warmer temperatures, they should not be consumed. If a gas stove is available, prioritize cooking meats and fish, but note that heating does not make already spoiled food safe.

Vegetables and fruits generally last longer than dairy or meat products, but their condition should still be monitored. If outdoor temperatures are low and there is a shaded, well-ventilated, and rain-protected area, wrap produce in newspaper and store temporarily in cardboard or Styrofoam boxes. However, in hot and humid conditions, leaving food outside for extended periods may accelerate spoilage and should be avoided.