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How To Keep Food & Other Perishables Fresh With Dry Ice During A Power Outage In British Columbia

July 13th, 2021

Next to a gas powered generator, dry ice is the best way to keep perishables and other food from spoiling during a power outage. Dry ice has a temperature of -78.5 C which is more than enough to keep your food from spoiling even if the outage last a couple of days. Fraser Valley Dry Ice recommend 50 pounds of dry ice every 48 hours of a power outage.

What Safety Precautions should I take if I use dry ice in British Columbia during a power outage?

  • Dry Ice expands into a gas as it sublimates, therefore you cannot put it in a sealed air tight compartment as it could become explosive. Instead, leave your dry ice in a cooler with the latch open. Fridges and Freezers are safe to leave dry ice in without the risk of explosion.
  • Dry ice will remove oxygen from the air. Be sure not to be in an air tight room with dry ice present as it will eventually use up all of the oxygen your lungs are counting on to keep you alive.
  • Allowing bottles and cans to come into direct contact with dry ice could result in them exploding leaving a mess to clean up.
  • You must use gloves when handling dry ice, contact with skin can cause severe frost bite and possible limb/digit amputation. Thumbs up for personal protective equipment.
  • Dry ice is not a toy, if you are using it in your house during a power outage, or any other reason you must ensure it is safely kept away from children.