PREPPERGIRL.UK: COLD STORAGE WITHOUT POWER

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Looking at a few methods of keeping food / produce cool during a power outage. For us if the situation is thought to be lengthy in all probability it's gorge on the refrigerated then cook the frozen. Personally a fridge is something i went without for years, at the time you can't miss something you have never had but alas the feeding routine now rotates around the fridge freezer. This article does not cover solar/convertors although an option. Kerry

AFRICAN ZEER COOLER
Not favourable in high humidity, in basic it is two pots, one is sunk into sand, applied water evaporates and keeps the contents cool

CHARCOAL FRIDGE

A room or large container of which the walls sandwich charcoal through which water is trickled, the evaporation process cools the internal air. Like the Zeer pot, not particularly successful in regions with high humidity

Video of the charcoal fridge here
Polystyrene, a useful building block for projects, not only a poor conductor of heat but protective too.

THE COOLER BOX
Whilst they are primarily for picnics they could prove useful for emergencies.

The cooler box, a cheap, simple, although short term method

Could prove useful too if you have to evacuate your home / Bug in, giving you further food options when added to your original 'emergency to go' food stock although would probably have to be used first

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ALWAYS KEEP SOME READY TO USE FREEZER BLOCKS IN THE FREEZER

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The box after use can be used for water or other storage if you find yourself out and about for a while

Thermos flasks could be utilised for fresh milk or perhaps during hot weather cool drinks or water, drop a few ice cubes in while you still have them from the freezer

FRIDGE

Probably the cheapest no hassle longer use option is a 12 volt fridge, many models are available and prices vary greatly. Whilst this article is dealing with chilled foods 12 volt freezers, although not cheap, are available

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Freezer

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PLACE A FEW ICE CUBES IN A SEALED FREEZER / ZIP BAG IN A VISIBLE POSITION SO IF YOUR AWAY DURING A POWER CUT MELTED CUBES WILL INDICATE A POWER CUT, DEFROST AND REFREEZE HAS OCCURED

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Power cuts & What to save or bin

Prepare your freezer for a power cut

If you cover it as described unplug it if you cover the rear

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FREEZE SOME DRINKING WATER IN BOTTLES AND PLACE AMONG FROZEN FOOD IN THE FREEZER (ENSURE GAP FOR EXPANSION) THIS WILL HELP KEEP FOOD FROZEN LONGER IF POWER FAILS. PLACE A FEW IN THE FRIDGE TO KEEP CONTENTS COOLER FOR LONGER. REFRAIN FROM OPENING OR RUMMAGING TOO OFTEN

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LINK - About root cellars