As you're scrambling to find your stash of backup flashlights, you may forget about the precious groceries in your fridge.

Anyone returning home after an extended power outage should throw out any food that's been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for over two hours, or has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If a storm leads to a power outage ... your food can stay safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer, according to the CDC.