When your power goes out because of a snowstorm, flood, or other natural disaster, just putting food on the table can be a challenge. That’s why it pays to be prepared before trouble rolls around. Here’s what to keep in mind—and in your pantry.

• Keep the fridge door shut. The more often you open the door, the faster food warms up. Unopened, the refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours. An unopened full freezer will hold for 48 hours, a half-full one for 24. If your freezer isn’t full, bunch the items close together—they’ll stay cooler longer.
  
• Use dry or block ice to help chill the fridge and freezer. 50 pounds of dry ice will hold a full 18 cubic foot freezer for two days. Plan in advance—know where the nearest place ice to buy ice is, so you won’t be scrambling when the heat is on.
  
• Your fridge should be 40 degrees or colder, and your freezer 0 degrees. Keep appliance thermometers in the fridge and freezer at all times in order so you’ll know if the temperature is where it’s
  supposed to be.
  
• Stock your pantry with canned and shelf-stable foods to use in an emergency. Don’t forget pet food and baby formula if you need it, and an old-fashioned manual can opener.