SHREVEPORT, La. - With hundreds of thousands in the ArkLaTex sweating it through a major power outage, there's a lot to consider to keep you and your family safe. The safety of refrigerated and frozen foods is always a concern following extended power outages.RELATED CONTENT:Shreveport Mayor Arceneaux declares weather emergency after powerful storm pounds the ArkLaTexHeavy storm early Friday leaves more than 222,000 without power in the ArkLaTexHere are a few tips about food safety.Most health experts agree, food can only be kept cold enough inside a refrigerator with no power for four hours before it becomes unsafe to eat.High-protein foods, such as dairy (including milk, cream, sour cream and yogurt), meat (raw, leftovers and lunch meats), fish and poultry should be consumed as soon as possible if power is not restored immediately. These items cannot be stored safely at room temperature.According to foodsafety.gov, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, soft and shredded cheeses, such as blue, brie, cottage cheese and mozzarella, should be discarded if they were kept above 40 degrees for more than two hours, while hard cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, and provolone; processed and grated cheeses, such as Parmesan or Romano, as well as butter or margarine, may be kept a little longer. Whole fruits and uncooked vegetables can be stored safely at room temperature until there are obvious signs of spoilage, such as mold or wilting. Cut fruits and vegetables, as well as pre-cut or pre-washed greens, should be discarded. Opened jars of sauces and spreads, such as mayonnaise and tartar sauce, should be discarded if they were kept above 50 degrees for more than eight hours, according to foodsafety.gov. Foods like jelly, relish, taco sauce, Worcestershire, barbecue, mustard, vinegar-based dressings, ketchup, olives and pickles may be kept, but opened creamy-based dressings should be discarded.