When the power goes out for hours or even days like it has for hundreds of families in the Valley, how do you know when you should throw out refrigerated or frozen foods?

If you follow the rules, you'll likely be tossing those lunch meats, soft cheese, leftover pizza, and a lot more food.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power is out no more than four hours.

Even then, you should keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible.

Throw out any perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers that have been above 40 degrees for more than two hours.

Never taste food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor to determine whether or not food is safe to eat.

Always discard any food in the refrigerator that has come into contact with raw meat juices.

Each item must be evaluated separately.

Use this chart as your guide.