When the power comes back, the fridge is the first place to check. Food can look and smell fine and still make you sick, so go by temperature and time, not by taste.
The refrigerator
Throw away perishable food such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheese and leftovers if it has been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. If the power was off for longer than about 4 hours and the door was opened, assume it got too warm. A simple appliance thermometer kept in the fridge takes the guessing away.
The freezer
Food that still has ice crystals, or is at 40°F or below, can be safely refrozen. It may lose some quality, but it is safe to eat.
Food that touched floodwater
Throw away any food that may have touched floodwater, unless it is in a sealed metal can that is not damaged. Even then, clean and sanitize the can before you open it.
When you are not sure
The rule food safety experts repeat is simple: when in doubt, throw it out.
Sources: FoodSafety.gov and CDC food safety guidance. This is general reference information, not a substitute for professional medical care or emergency services.
