Preparedness
Keep Frozen Goods Safe During Freezer Emergencies
Experiencing a freezer malfunction can be a daunting situation, especially when you consider the potential loss of a significant investment in food, time, and money. Being prepared for such an emergency is crucial, and the best time to plan is before it happens.
Freezers can stop working due to various reasons, including mechanical issues, power outages, or simple human errors. When this occurs, the most important step is to keep the freezer door closed. In a fully stocked freezer, keeping the door shut can prevent food from thawing for approximately 15 to 20 hours.
The first step in addressing a freezer failure is identifying the cause. It could be something as simple as a blown fuse, a tripped circuit, or an unplugged power cord. If the issue is straightforward, restoring normal operation quickly is key, and you should check the food for any signs of thawing.
In the event of a power outage, contact your utility company to find out how long the power will be out. If the problem is mechanical, consult the freezer’s instruction manual to see if there’s a quick fix you can perform. If not, contact a repair service to determine how soon a technician can address the issue.
If it’s unlikely that your freezer will be operational within a day, you have several options to prevent your food from thawing. First, consider moving your frozen goods to another working freezer. Friends or neighbors may have extra space, or you could utilize a local freezing facility.
To transport your food, pack it in insulated boxes or wrap it in thick layers of newspaper and blankets. Once removed from your freezer, transfer the food to an operational freezer as quickly as possible. After emptying your freezer, unplug it and follow the owner’s manual to defrost it. Clean the freezer thoroughly and leave the door slightly open to allow air circulation, ensuring it’s propped open to prevent accidental closure.
If no alternative freezer space is available, dry ice can be an effective solution. Check local listings under “Dry Ice” or “Carbonic Gas” to find a supplier. Remember, dry ice is extremely cold, so handle it with heavy gloves to avoid burns. Have the supplier cut the dry ice into manageable pieces, and use heavy cardboard to place it on top of your frozen food inside the freezer. Close the freezer without locking it, and refrain from opening it until you need to replace the dry ice or the freezer is repaired.
For added insulation, cover your freezer with blankets or quilts, and place insulating materials or crumpled newspaper between the cabinet and the coverings. Ensure that the coverings do not obstruct the air vents, as unexpected power restoration will require ventilation.
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide and will sublimate, leaving no liquid residue. If you notice an off-odor upon reopening the freezer, it is likely carbonic acid formed by the dry ice and moisture. This is harmless to food, and leaving the freezer door open for a few minutes will allow the odor to dissipate.
In colder climates, snow and ice can serve as temporary storage. Line a clean garbage can with a plastic garbage bag, place the frozen food inside, seal the bag, and secure the lid. Bury the can in snow to keep the food frozen for up to four or five days.
Managing thawed food is another consideration, and knowing how to handle it can further minimize losses.
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