Here are a few tips from Rick Atterberry, Media Communications Specialist from the Homemakers Extension Assoc. for Peoria County

• Keep an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer. In case of a power outage, the thermometers will help you to determine the safety of your food. Freezers should be held at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below and refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

• Plan ahead and know where ice and dry ice can be purchased.

• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.

• Purchase or make ice and store in freezer for use in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers

• To help food stay cold longer, group food together in the freezer.