Here’s what to do with food after the power goes out

*Attached video: DroneFOX shows storm damage in Parma

CLEVELAND (WJW) –  More than 330,000 people are without power in Northeast Ohio after Tuesday’s storms, leaving many worried about their frozen and refrigerated foods.

Here’s when to save and when to throw out unsafe groceries.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture , refrigerators will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. Freezers will hold a safe temperature for about 48 hours or 24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed.

According to FoodSaftey.gov , it is important to keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible and discard perishable foods including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

FoodSaftey.gov also says Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety. Use this chart as a general guide.

Refrigerated Food held above 40°F for more than 2 hours that should be thrown away:

• Meat, poultry and seafood
• Soft and low-fat cheeses
• Yogurt, milk, cream, etc.
• Eggs
• Cut or sliced fruits
• Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish, creamy-based dressings, spaghetti sauce
• Fish sauces, oyster sauce
• Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough
• Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes
• Cut or cooked vegetables
• Casseroles, soups, stews

Frozen Food that is held above 40°F for more than 2 hours that should be thrown away:

• Meat, poultry and seafood
• Dairy products (Hard cheeses can be refrozen)
• Vegetables (after 6 hours)
• Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or cheese filling
• Pasta and rice-based casseroles
• Frozen meals, entrees, and specialty items

Click here to learn what foods are safe to keep and which ones can be refrozen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.