Alva Review-Courier -

When storms knock out the power, what's the best way to handle refrigerated or frozen foods?

Err on the cautious side. When in doubt, throw the food out.

"Food can be very expensive to throw away but not as costly as food-borne illnesses, which can cause lifelong health effects as well as death," said Joyce McGarry, a food safety educator with Michigan State University. "If any food is suspected to be contaminated, it is not worth the risk, especially for young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems."

Electrical interruptions are unpredictable. Causes include, severe weath...