Condo Media - August 2013 - 38

HOMEOWNER’S
COLUMN NAME CORNER

Keep Your Cool
Saving Refrigerated or Frozen Food During a Power Outage

P

ower failures can be one of
the most annoying — and
disabling — occurrences in a
community. Whether caused
by summer storms, power lines
crippled by winter ice, equipment
failure, an overloaded regional grid,
or an animal disrupting a power line,
electrical outages can be costly.
Residents can face many hazards
when a power failure occurs (usually
without any warning), including losing
refrigerated and frozen foods. Some
food items can be salvaged, however, if
you’re prepared.

In anticipation of
a power failure:

• Have at least one or two coolers on
hand, and at least one spare ﬁvepound bag of ice in the freezer.
• Know where to get bag, block, or
dry ice, particularly if you anticipate
a long-term outage. (Caution: Dry
ice is made from carbon dioxide, so it
requires safe handling. Never breathe
in its vapors or touch it with your bare
hands.) According to the Food Safety
Branch of Kentucky’s Department of
Health, a 50-pound block of dry ice

will keep a tightly packed, 18-cubicfoot freezer cool for up to two days.
• Have an instant food thermometer
or appliance thermometer available
to ensure your freezers, refrigerators,
and coolers are staying cool enough
to store food safely.
• Arrange the fridge and freezer efﬁciently. Frozen food lasts longer
in a full freezer — up to 48 hours
if tightly packed — and refrigerated
food lasts longer — up to four hours
— if there is room for air to circulate.

When the electricity goes off:

• Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary.

Representing Condominium Associations, Homeowner
Associations and Management Companies throughout
New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
Providing representation in all areas of condominium
law from drafting and execution of condominium
instruments, amendments, collection of assessments to
litigation from trial through appeal.
For specific questions and to find out how we can
service your particular needs, please contact our office
and speak with one of our attorneys.

(603) 627-5997

45 Bay Street
Manchester, NH 03104

(603) 742-1052
3 Webb Place
Dover, NH 03820

(800) 828-3200

565 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845

www.fenigeranduliasz.com
Serving clients in all of NH and northern MA
38

CONDO MEDIA • AUGUST 2013

• Check the temperature of refrigerated foods if the power is out for
more than a few hours. Discard any
food item that’s been at 40 degrees
Fahrenheit or warmer for two or more
hours. Exceptions include butter and
margarine; hard cheeses like parmesan
and Romano; some condiments like
mustard, soy sauce, and olives; and
fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables.
• Check the temperature of frozen
foods as well. While tightly packed
freezer foods will stay frozen for many
hours, some items that may have
thawed can be refrozen if they still
retain ice crystals or have remained at
a temperature lower than 40 degrees.
Since the appearance and odor of
a food item isn’t an accurate indication of its safety after a power outage,
use the 40 degree rule of thumb. And
when in doubt, discard the food. CM
Condo Media - August 2013

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