The Consumer's Almanac
Consumer Credit Education Foundation
Washington, DC

How long does food keep in a refrigerator or freezer when the power goes out?

Generally, 24 hours in a refrigerator or a half-full freezer and 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer. Don't open the door. Do not refreeze frozen food that has thawed.

The USDA recommends discarding refrigerated milk 8 hours after a power loss. Fresh eggs are safe unrefrigerated for 2 hours; discard ones with cracked shells, odor, or discoloration.

Discard fresh meat, lunch meat, hot dogs, and hard-boiled eggs if held above refrigerator temperature (40 degrees F.) More than 2 hours.

Butter, margarine, and hard cheese are safe unrefrigerated if well wrapped. They can be frozen.

What precautions do I take if my basement floods?

Unplug electrical appliances. Keep an eye on the pilot light of a gas furnace or water heater; if flooded, get professional cleaning assistance.

Water on the floor can be removed with a wet vac or a siphon attachment on a garden hose. For a wet carpet, remove water with a wet vac and air it out. Replace the padding. Steam-clean the carpet.

Homeowner policies generally do not cover flood damage unless the homeowner has purchased flood insurance.

Who is responsible for paying for damages when a tree falls?

If a street or park tree falls, it's the government's responsibility. If a yard tree falls, it depends: If your tree falls on a neighbor's house, the neighbor's insurance will pay. If it falls in your yard, it's your responsibility.

How do I prevent being ripped off in contracting repairs?

When selecting any contractor, ask for proof of current insurance. For home repairs, ask to see their license. For all contractors, check references and get three bids. If the price seems excessive, call your insurance company for advice. Prices rise during emergencies. Wait several weeks - if you can.

Check your standard homeowner's insurance policy to determine if you're covered for damage to your property from a storm.