Keep cold air inside
Write down when the electricity went off and keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Opening them repeatedly makes stored food warm up sooner. Do not taste food to decide whether it is safe.
Times are estimates, not guarantees
The Food Standards Agency says a closed fridge should stay cold for up to four hours. A full freezer may keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full. Actual performance depends on the appliance, room temperature and how often the door is opened.
Check the official guidance
Use a fridge thermometer and follow the linked guidance on temperatures, high-risk foods and what to discard after a longer interruption. Smell and appearance alone cannot tell you whether food is safe. Follow Food Standards Scotland guidance if you are in Scotland.
Have another meal ready
Keep shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food so you do not have to open the fridge to feed everyone. Keep a note of any discarded food and check your insurance terms if you intend to claim.
Food Standards Agency: food safety in a power cut ↗
Check the linked guidance for updates. Follow local instructions during a real incident. This site does not provide live emergency information.