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Step 1
Prepare. If you live in an area where power outages are common, fill 2 plastic containers with water and keep them in the freezer. The water will freeze and the ice will keep your freezer and food cold longer.
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Step 2
Buy ice. Put 1 bag in the freezer and 2 bags in the refrigerator. Put the most perishable items, such as milk, closest to the ice. If the power outage lasts for more then a day, you should replace the ice as it melts.
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Step 3
If there is snow on the ground, bring it inside. Put the snow into plastic containers and place it in the refrigerator and freezer. You also can secure your perishable foods in plastic containers and bury the food in the snow.
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Step 4
Keep the doors closed. Every time you open the door to the refrigerator or freezer you let cold air escape. Only open when necessary.
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Step 5
Cover the refrigerator and freezer with blankets, linens or crumpled newspapers. This will serve as an extra layer of insulation and keep the cold from escaping as quickly. Take care not to cover the air vent openings.
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Step 6
Use a generator if you have one. Plug the refrigerator into the generator to keep it running. Follow all safety guidelines for using a generator. A running generator should never be place inside your home.
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Step 7
Consider dry ice. Dry ice is harder to find then regular ice, but some larger hardware stores do carry it. Dry ice is preferable to frozen ice because it stays cold longer. Wear gloves when handling dry ice.
