How to prep your refrigerator for a power outage

LOS ANGELES - You don't want all your food to spoil the next time there's a power outage. Be prepared before the electricity goes out with these tips from the USDA and foodsafety.gov.

Here are five tips to help you prepare:

1. Keep appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer. That way you won't have to guess if your food is still safe to eat. Safe temperatures are 40°F or lower in the refrigerator and 0°F or lower in the freezer.

2. Break out the coolers -- or turn your refrigerator into one. Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers, which will help keep your food cold. You can also use a block of ice, or dry ice.

3. Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry to help keep them at a safe temperature longer.

4. Group foods together in the freezer. They'll insulate each other and stay colder.

5. Stock up on ready-to-eat foods. Be sure to have a few days' of foods that do not require cooking or cooling.

Losing your power during an outage doesn't have to mean losing all your food, too.

More tips: USDA website | foodsafety.gov