"Dave Liquorice" wrote in message
ill.co.uk...

How long was te power off, fridges aren't particulary critical for 24
hrs provided you open it as little as possible. Freezers should
manage 12 hours or longer, again don't open it. Unless you *really*
have, think ahead when the power goes can help. In the case of the
fridge take a bottle of milk out and wrap it in a wet tea towel.

Yup - freezers (and fridges) are the main worry in my power cut scenario.
Especially when they mainly contain home- made produce on which hours of
time investment has been
expended. Golden rule must be not to open the door of either until the power
is restored. (not getting out bottles of milk etc - lol)
In the case of the freezer, best left for a day - door unopened after the
power is back.

Two other tips - try to keep the freezer as full as possible even if that
involves storing frozen water in addition
to edible stuff. Secondly, keep a plastic milk bottle half full of frozen
water in the freezer, only store it on its side once frozen.
You will then be re-assured when you return from a holiday or other long
absence when you see the vertical edge of the water therein
on your return.

Pete