The Best Way To Store Food During A Power Outage In Your HOA

Whether an outage happens as a result of a storm, winter ice, or overloading, a power failure can be a devastating occurrence in your HOA.  Food storage is one of the most important areas that should be a focus during an outage and it’s only wise that homeowners know the best way to preserve their food.  Here are some helpful tips to ensure that happens.

 

Since an outage rarely happens, many homeowners are not prepared for this type of situation.  Use the quarterly newsletter or the HOA website to inform members on how to handle any refrigerated and frozen food when there’s a power failure.  With fifty pounds of block ice, that can keep a regular-sized freezer cool for around 48 hours.

 

Make sure you suggest places where homeowners can quickly get dry ice when they need it and include tips on how to handle it safely.  Also, caution against touching it with bare hands or inhaling the vapors.  One essential item to always have around is a thermometer to test the temperature of food and it should remain lower than 40?? F.

Opening and closing the refrigerator when there’s no power is a bad idea so avoid it unless it’s absolutely necessary.  Perishable foods such as meats, fruits, and vegetables are the first foods that should be consumed during this time.  Any perishable food that has been warmer than 40?? F for several hours should be discarded.

 

After the outage, take a few extra minutes to deodorize the freezer and refrigerator.  A simple washing solution can be made by combining a few tablespoons of baking soda with water.  Additionally, an open baking soda box in the refrigerator will help absorb foul odors efficiently.  When posting on the HOA website, be sure to point out the months that most electrical outages happen, though, the best solution is to always be prepared.