Why Michiganders Should Be Keeping a Quarter in Their Freezer

Why are Michiganders putting a quarter in their freezers before a major storm? Find out why here.

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Preparing For A Major Storm

Michiganders often have to prepare for winter storms, ice storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and any type of power outage situation.

Depending on what type of storm or situation Michiganders are facing they may be stocking up on groceries, batteries for flashlights, buying candles, buying or starting up their generators, making sure they have a snow removal plan, have a chainsaw ready for downed trees. There are lots of items people will stock up on but there is one item that Michiganders are most concerned about and there is a technique that may help you if there is a major power outage.

Why Are Michiganders Putting a Quarter in Their Freezers?

When there is a serious power outage the food in the freezer and refrigerator is one of the most important things Michiganders want to protect. With the prices of groceries and meat, a family is going to want to protect these items at all costs.

When your power is out for a lengthy time, it is important to tell if your food is still good to eat. People are putting a quarter on top of a frozen cup of water as a gauge to tell if your food is still edible.

How To Set Up Your Quarter and Frozen Cup of Water Guage

Pour water into a cup about 3/4 quarters of the way from the top. Please put it in the freezer. Once the water is frozen solid, place a quarter on the ice. Leave that in your freezer while your power is off for a few days.

According to Reader's Digest, here is how you gauge your freezer contents:

• If the quarter is on top - The contents of your freezer remain frozen and are safe to eat.
• If the quarter is in the middle - That means that while the power was out the contents of your freezer began to thaw and then refroze. You will need to check the contents of each item to make sure it is still safe.
• If the quarter is at the bottom - It is safe to say that your freezer completely thawed out and unsafe to eat the food. You will need to throw it out to avoid food poisoning.

The good news for Michiganders is a lot of our power outages are in the colder months so if you are not constantly opening your freezer you might do pretty well. The rule of thumb is when it doubt, throw it out.