Store enough food for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days.

• Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special "emergency" food.
• Consider any dietary restrictions you may have.
• Ideal foods do not require refrigeration or cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).
• Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have a manufacturer's expiration date on the package.
• Include baby food, formula or other special diet items for infants and seniors.
• Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
• Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.
• Do not consume food from cans that show any signs of deterioration (rust or bulging).

After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.

RI Department of Health's Office of Food Protection provides 24 hour emergency coverage for fires, accidents and natural disasters involving food products.

Daytime Contact (401) 222-2749

After-Hours Emergency Number (401) 272-5952