How to check if your power goes out in Columbus and central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The remnants of Hurricane Helene crossed Ohio on Friday, causing power outages in Columbus and surrounding areas.

Two companies are the primary power providers for central Ohio, and each has a service to check on power outages and estimated restoration time.

AEP serves most of Franklin County, which includes Columbus. You can track power outages in the window below.

South Central Power also serves part of Franklin County, as well as parts of the stretching south. Its power outage tracker can be accessed at this link.

If you lose power for an extended time, here are recommendations for what to know about food in your refrigerator or freezer, from the CDC.

If the power does go out:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe for up to:
  • 4 hours in a refrigerator
  • 48 hours in a full freezer; 24 hours in a half-full freezer
• If the power has been out for 4 hours, and a cooler and ice are available, put refrigerated perishable foods in the cooler. To keep them at 40°F or below, add ice or a cold source like frozen gel packs.

Once power is restored:

• Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers) after 4 hours without power or a cold source like dry ice. Throw out any food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Check temperatures of food kept in coolers or your refrigerator with an added cold source. Throw out food above 40°F.
• If you have an appliance thermometer in your freezer, check to see if it is still at 40 °F or below.
  • You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below.