Tips For Using Dry Ice During A Power Outage
Dry ice has many uses beyond just spicing Halloween parties and chilling drinks. It has revolutionized the transportation of food and medicine for companies and organizations. Additionally, dry ice can come in handy during a power outage. Reviewing safety precautions for when your home loses power is always good. Here’s a guide on safely using dry ice to cool your goods during a power outage.
Using Dry Ice During a Power Outage
Keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors closed for 24-48 hours is recommended to maintain the cold temperature. However, if the temperature rises, it can spoil the food. Dry ice is an excellent alternative as it has a temperature of -109 degrees F and can replace the cooling power of a fridge or freezer. Place it on the freezer’s top shelf and the refrigerator’s bottom rack during an outage.
Did you know 25-30 pounds of solidified carbon dioxide can keep a standard freezer cold for a day? However, you will need three pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of freezer space if you have a large freezer. Less dry ice is required for refrigerators since the food doesn’t need to freeze. Remember that if there is a power outage lasting more than a few days, it is crucial to replace the dry ice as it will eventually turn into gas due to sublimation.
Safety Considerations
After the power is restored, assessing the safety of the food stored in your fridge or freezer is vital. A reliable way to do this is by checking if the food has been thawed or partially thawed. You can refreeze the food if you notice ice crystals or if the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. However, keep in mind that the quality of the food may be affected by partial thawing and refreezing, though it will still be safe to consume. To learn more about the safe use of dry ice, contact Dry Ice Corp today.
Order Your Dry Ice Online Today!
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge number of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200, or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
