Emergency: Refrigerator Stopped Working

Your refrigerator has stopped working. Here's what to do immediately.

First 30 Minutes

Don't Panic

Food stays safe longer than you think if you act correctly.

Keep Doors Closed

Critical: Each opening loses cold air.

• Resist checking
• Cold air escapes quickly
• Every opening reduces safe time

Check Basics

Quick checks without opening main doors:

• Is it plugged in?
• Circuit breaker tripped?
• Display showing errors?
• Any sounds?

Food Safety Timeline

Refrigerator Section

Doors Closed:

• Safe for 4 hours
• Keep monitoring

If Must Open:

• Be quick
• Take what you need
• Close immediately

Freezer Section

Full Freezer: Safe 48 hours

Half Full: Safe 24 hours

Assumes doors stay closed

Temperature Monitoring

If You Have Thermometer

• Check without opening if possible
• Food above 40°F for 2+ hours: concern
• Freezer above 40°F: food thawing

No Thermometer

• Ice cream soft = freezer compromised
• Butter soft = refrigerator warming
• Ice cubes melted = significant time passed

Moving Food

If Repair Not Immediate

Options:

• Neighbor's refrigerator
• Coolers with ice
• Backup refrigerator

Prioritize:

• Meat and dairy first
• Medications needing refrigeration
• High-value items

What to Keep

• Items with ice crystals still safe
• Hard cheeses, butter may be fine
• Condiments often okay

What to Discard

• Meat/poultry above 40°F over 2 hours
• Dairy products if warm
• Prepared foods if warm
• When in doubt, throw out

Getting Help

Call for Service

• (480) 696-5045
• Explain it's an emergency
• We prioritize food safety situations

Temporary Solutions

• Bags of ice in freezer
• Frozen water bottles
• Don't use dry ice in enclosed space

Preventing Future Emergencies

• Regular maintenance
• Know your appliance sounds
• Act on early warning signs
• Have backup plan

Emergency service: (781) 604-1175