Why Dry Ice Helps During a Storm

If you are looking for the best way to keep frozen and fresh food from spoiling during a power outage, here is what you should know.

During a summer storm or power outage, homeowners worry about saving many different things. What will happen to the freezer full of food downstairs? Will the entire fridge of food, fresh from the grocery store, all spoil? Luckily, dry ice is an awesome tool during a storm. If you are looking for the best way to keep frozen and fresh food from spoiling during a power outage, here is what you should know.

When the Power is Out

Since dry ice is so cold, it’s capable of keeping other things cold for long periods of time. Once the power outage begins, put a block of dry ice on the very top shelf of the freezer and the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Dry ice sublimates, instead of melting into water, so you won’t need to worry about it dripping on the contents of either place or leaving a puddle behind. If you are using a cooler to keep things cold during the storm, place dry ice inside. Dry ice can be used to keep both perishables and medicines cold.

Safety First

During any storm or power outage, it’s important to stay safe. You should still take all of the same dry ice safety precautions that you would otherwise, including:

• Never store dry ice in a container that is airtight, as it sublimates. The pressure from the gas as it melts can lead to a rupture or explosion that could potentially harm you.
• Place the cooler in an area with good ventilation. If you are using dry ice in your refrigerator or freezer, keep it slightly cracked and open up the windows in your home. Dry ice turns into carbon monoxide as it melts, which is toxic for humans and pets, so the space needs to be well-ventilated.
• Wrap blocks of dry ice in a towel or sheet of paper before putting it on top of food or frozen items, otherwise it might give the item freezer burn due to the extremely cold temperature.

Dry Ice for All of Your Needs

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 you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount 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, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.