Dearborn Will Distribute Free Dry Ice Fri. To Help Preserve Food

DEARBORN, MI —With a reported 242,295 residents of Wayne County still without power Friday morning after storms earlier in the week, the city of Dearborn will be helping residents to preserve their food by distributing free dry ice on Friday afternoon, the city announced.

The distribution will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until supplies run out, at the loading dock of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. Proof of residency is required and residents should bring a cooler for safe transport, the city said.

According to the city, additional dry ice distribution may take place this weekend, depending on the length of the power outage. The city said it will publish details when they become available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for preserving food before, during and after a power outage.

Though many already have lost power, the CDC recommends always having a cooler and frozen gel packs handy in case you have to remove food from the refrigerator to keep it cold. Likewise, it is smart to keep dry ice around in case of an emergency, the agency said.

According to the CDC, if there is no electricity, keeping the doors of a refrigerator/freezer closed will keep food safe for four hours in a fridge, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer. If the power has been out for longer than 4 hours, put the food in a cooler that is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Add ice or a cold source like frozen gel packs.

The CDC reminded residents never to taste food to determine if it is safe to eat.

"When in doubt, throw it out," the agency said.

After power has returned, and if another cold source - like a cooler or dry ice - has not been used, perishable food like: meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and leftovers should be thrown out, the CDC said. Also, any food with an unusual odor, color or texture also should be thrown out.

If there is an appliance thermometer in the freezer, check to see if it's still 40 degrees or below. The CDC said its safe to refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below.