Food & Medicine Guidance
Storm Response Active. Severe weather and power outages can affect food, medications, and personal safety. Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Lost food because of a power outage? If you receive SNAP benefits and lost food due to a power outage lasting four hours or more, you may qualify for replacement benefits. You must submit your form within 10 days of loss. See the SNAP Benefit Replacement section below.
Food Safety
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Every time you open the door, cold air escapes and food warms faster.
Refrigerated food is generally safe for up to 4 hours.
A full freezer is safe for about 48 hours. A half full freezer is safe for about 24 hours.
When in doubt, throw it out. Do not taste food to decide whether it is safe. Food can be unsafe to eat without looking or smelling spoiled.
For complete food safety guidance during emergencies and power outages, visit foodsafety.gov.
Medications
Keep refrigerated medicines cool. Use a cooler with ice packs if your power will be out for an extended period.
Contact your pharmacist or doctor if your medications have been exposed to excessive heat. Do not assume a medication is still effective. Your pharmacist can tell you whether it needs to be replaced.
If you need an emergency refill because your medication was damaged or lost in the storm, contact your pharmacy. Many pharmacies can provide emergency supplies during a declared weather event.
If you use medical equipment that requires power, contact your power provider about priority restoration and let them know about your medical need.
AEP Ohio: outagemap.aepohio.com
Columbus Power: gis.columbus.gov/PowerOutage
Tetanus and Wound Care
Keep your routine 10 year tetanus booster up to date.
For deep, dirty, or puncture wounds from debris or floodwater, a booster may be needed if it has been more than 5 years.
Wash wounds immediately with soap and water and cover them.
Seek medical care within 24 to 48 hours for wound cleaning or an expedited booster.
If you are unsure when you last received a tetanus booster, contact your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic.
SNAP Benefit Replacement
If you live in Ohio and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a household fire, flood, or a power outage lasting four hours or more, you must complete and submit JFS Form 07222 (Statement Requesting Replacement SNAP Benefits) to your local office within 10 days of loss.
Do not wait. Benefits cannot be replaced after the 10 day deadline passes.
Where to Submit Your Form
If you live in Franklin County, you can drop off forms to the Jobs & Family Services Opportunity Centers below.
More Information
For complete information on replacement benefits, including how to get the form, visit Franklin County Food Assistance Replacement Benefits.
For other public assistance and emergency resources, visit Ohio Job and Family Services.
Find Food Near You
To find food resources near you, visit Freshtrak.com, which is updated in real time in response to outages.
Remember to call ahead to the location before you go.
For additional statewide food assistance and community resources, visit the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
View food resources by community area
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