Using Dry Ice During a Power Failure
If it seems likely that your freezer will not be operating
properly within one or two days, dry ice may help keep some frozen
food from spoiling. However, dry ice is very expensive and
is not easy to obtain in some areas. If a flood [or other
emergency] is predicted, and you decide to use dry ice, locate a
source in advance, and obtain it quickly.
Your power company may be able to direct you to a source of dry
ice.
Guidelines:
-
Wear gloves when handling dry ice. Do
not touch it with your bare hands because it causes severe
frostbite and tissue damage.
-
Allow 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of ice per cubit foot
of freezer space. (More will be needed for an upright
freezer because ice should be placed on each shelf.)
-
Place boards or heavy cardboard on top of
packages. Place dry ice on top of boards. In an
upright freezer, place ice on each shelf.
-
Cover the freezer with blankets, but do not
lock it or cover air vent openings. Gas given off by
the dry ice needs a place to escape. Open basement
or room windows or doors to vent out the gas from dry ice.
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