How to Use Dry Ice During a Power Outage

Don’t let all that good stuff go to waste during a power outage. Save it with dry ice!

Your dog is hiding under the couch as the thunder claps, your daughter is skipping around the living room to the sound of the downpour, and you are sitting and worrying what exactly you will do if and when the power goes out. Dry ice is the best possible way to keep your perishable products from spoiling when your power goes out. Dry ice, at a temperature of -109 degrees, it can easily replace the power of your freezer and refrigerator if needed.

Power’s Out!

Once your power goes out and you need to reach for the dry ice, place it on the top shelf of the freezer and the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The dry ice will keep your perishables at the necessary temperature to keep them safe and sanitary during the storm. If you need to move away from the area you are in and want to take things in a cooler, you can put dry ice in the cooler to transport your perishable products while traveling.

Stay Safe

While dry ice is a perfect option for keeping your refrigerator and freezer “running” during a power outage or emergency to protect your perishable products, there are several things you should do to ensure that you are using your dry ice as safely as possible.

•         Do not store your dry ice in a container that is airtight or in an ice chest with latches firmly locked. As dry ice melts, the gas pressure could become explosive if there is no air flow. While the container may not explode, the force pressing against the lid may be enough to cause injury once you have to open it.
•         Store whatever cooler or container you keep dry ice in in an area that is well ventilated. Carbon dioxide will settle in the lowest areas of a room, so consider storing your cooler in a garage or room with a ground-level window that could be left open or partially cracked.
•         Before putting your dry ice in the freezer or refrigerator, wrap it in a towel or newspaper.
•         Do not put dry ice directly next to or on top of bottles or cans. The dry ice will freeze these, and they may rupture or explode once they begin to thaw.
•         Dry ice is, as stated above, -109 degrees Fahrenheit. As dry ice is extremely cold, it will burn any bare skin that comes into contact with it and potentially give you frostbite. Make sure to follow all safe handling precautions to keep your family safe while still protecting your perishable products.

Don’t Get Caught With Your Lights Out!

Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help keep your perishables cold during summer storms 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, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.