Power outages can be a significant problem, particularly when food is involved. If the electricity goes out, it’s best to act quickly to prevent having to throw out spoiled food. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you keep food cool during a power outages.
First of all, it’s vital to know what temperature food needs to be kept in order to remain safe. This should be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in general. Anything over this temperature will cause the food to become unsanitary to eat.
The next step is to shift food from the fridge to a cooler. This is best carried out as soon as possible, as the refrigerator’s cold air will begin to escape as soon as the electricity goes out. To keep the food cool, be sure to use lots of ice or ice packs.
You can also use a picnic basket or insulated bag if you don’t have a cooler. This will help to keep food cool for a few hours, but not as long as a cooler.
If you have a chest freezer, you can also use this to hold food cold. Chest freezers often have a separate power source, so they can remain frozen even when the electricity is off. To prevent the cold air from escaping, be sure to keep the lid as much as possible.
Lastly, you can also use a generator to keep food cold. Generators can be used to power fridges and freezers, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so.
You can keep food cool amid a power outage by following these tips and tricks. Doing so will ensure that the food is safe to eat and minimize waste, as well as minimize garbage.