CEN FAQs: When Your Freezer Fails

Many of us invest significant money in frozen meat, vegetables and other products. When the freezer stops working, we tend to hit the panic button. Instead, think through in advance a simple alternative plan if your freezer stops working.

Keep in mind a full freezer will keep food frozen for 15 to 20 hours with the doors closed so avoid the temptation to open the freezer to check on how everything’s doing.

The first thing you want to do is see if you can understand why the freezer isn’t working with a diagnostic check. Did a circuit or fuse trip? Did the unit become unplugged? Or, is the problem a very simple mechanical error? If the problem seems mechanical, immediately contact your service company and find out how quickly they may be able to service the freezer. Also, read the instruction booklet to see if there’s any clues on what may have gone wrong and what steps you may be able to take to mitigate the problem.

One simple step is to ask if friends and family will take your frozen items for a few days while the unit is fixed. Alternatively, many communities have a local freezing plant, who for a small fee, may keep your frozen food. When moving your food wrap each item in newspapers, blankets or other insulated material and move as fast as possible with the contents in boxes.

If you have emptied your freezer use this as an opportunity to thoroughly clean and defrost, if necessary. Unplug the unit and brace the door open to avoid an animal or child crawling in and becoming suffocated. Also, keep an airflow going to prevent mold formation.

Dry ice is an excellent short-term alternative for keeping your food frozen. Most cities have stores selling dry ice and a 50-pound block should keep your food frozen for up to 36 hours. When using dry ice, you must handle it carefully with heavy gloves, or the extreme cold will burn your hands. When you purchase the ice make sure the sizes you receive will fit in the space in your freezer. Place the ice on top of cardboard on the top shelf of your freezer and avoid food or food packages coming into direct contact with the dry ice. Only open your freezer when necessary. You may notice the smell from the escaping gas, but your food will be safe.

Another thought is to cover your freezer with blankets or other insulating material which you may have available which will keep the freezer cold longer.

If items become partially thawed but still contain ice crystals, the food should be safe to refreeze. However, thawed cooked meats should be discarded. Raw meat thawed but holding a temperature of 45°, may be safely cooked and placed in a refrigerator.

Another tip. If your freezer is not completely full take some plastic drink containers, fill with water 85% of capacity and place them in the freezer. The result will be ice blocks which will help your food stay frozen longer when necessary. And, if you have a failure of your refrigerator you can immediately put your ice blocks in the fridge to help maintain a colder temperature.

During a major power outage, you’re likely not going to be able to obtain dry ice but the sooner you act the better. You can still utilize the other tactics and pray for the best. If you’ve had significant food spoilage as a result of a power outage, it may be covered by an insurance claim with the detailed records of the food lost. Many insurance policies provide for reimbursement.

The Lord spoke and said, “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” (Genesis 9:3) 

Since the Lord has given us food, we need to be good stewards and make sure we preserve everything possible, including the food in her freezer during an emergency.

Be ready for other emergencies in the future by checking out the Christian Emergency Network  and become prepared to face other emergencies, large and small.