Snow can look like a free outdoor freezer, but frozen food may still thaw in direct winter sun; temperatures can change by the hour even while snow is falling

Every year, stories circulate on social media about people whose refrigerators overflowed with food during a snowstorm. After they had cleared their fridge, they decided to utilize the space on their back porch. After all, it is a free walk-in refrigerator. While the idea may sound genius, the truth is that it can cause a myriad of problems. According to a 2022 Iowa State University article, while the practice of storing food outdoors or in the snow may sound genius, the truth is that it can cause a range of food-safety problems

The main issue is not the cold, per se

The Iowa State Extension and Outreach article explains that temperature fluctuations can occur throughout the day, particularly in the stretch of clear, sunny weather that typically follows a snowfall, once cloud cover breaks and direct sun reaches exposed containers, and these fluctuations can mean a number of issues, such as thawing in containers and an inability to keep food at a consistent temperature. Even on cold days, placing food in direct sunlight can thaw it, especially inside a dark or thin container that absorbs heat.

This information may seem surprising, but it holds up. The USDA has a similar take on common cold-weather food safety mistakes: storing food outside as an impromptu refrigerator or freezer is a common one. Despite snow and ice accumulation, food stored outdoors can still be exposed to unsafe temperatures, since a wide range of temperatures can occur over the course of a day, pushing food into the “danger zone” of 40°F to 140°F. Outdoor storage carries a second risk, too: animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and neighborhood dogs can dig through snow and tear into bags or containers, contaminating the food inside.

So what should you actually do during a power outage?

Now that we know why storing food outside can be a bad idea, let's talk about some solutions. Luckily, there are a couple of different solutions that don't require tossing out all of your food. According to FoodSafety.gov, the first and most important step during a power outage (which can occur in any season) is to keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed.

This can keep the temperature at a safe level (keep in mind that a full freezer can stay at a safe temperature for 48 hours and a half-full freezer can last for 24 hours).A full freezer will stay at a safe temperature for about 48 hours; a half-full freezer, about 24 hours, but only if the door stays shut, which is exactly why this approach is more reliable than an outdoor porch: an unpowered, closed appliance acts as a stable insulated box, while outdoor temperatures swing with the sun and the hour. If you want to use the outdoors to help keep food cold, the better method is to fill containers with water ahead of time and freeze them into ice packs before the power goes out, or whenever the freezer is already open for another reason, then use those packs inside the fridge, freezer, or a cooler, rather than leaving the food itself outside and exposed to the elements.

The takeaway

There are many different reasons to avoid sticking your food outside during a snowstorm, but there are much safer alternatives. Winter can be a precarious time, and the last thing people need is additional worries about food contamination. If there is a blackout, the appliances in your home can last for days without power, so make sure you utilize them. Additionally, keep thermometers and ice packs on hand to monitor and maintain the safe temperatures of your food.