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Power Outage Dilemma When the power stops flowing at your house, keep frozen food protected by leaving the freezer door shut. A fully packed freezer will keep food frozen for 48 hours, while a half-packed freezer will ensure the food stays good for about 24 hours. If the outage will last for more than one day, wrap the food in heavy blankets and store it in coolers, and use what you can. Don't refreeze thawed raw meats. Cook them, and then refreeze them for eating later. When your power returns, check your food. If you see ice crystals on the food, you can be assured it is still cold enough to refreeze. Likewise, if the food has maintained a temperature of 40-degrees F. or below (refrigerator temperature), it is safe to refreeze and use. On the other hand, throw out food that has been warmer than 40-degrees F. for over two hours; discard softened ice cream, and toss any food contaminated by raw meat juices.          * DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *