Refrigeration During Heat Wave

All across America are reports of heat waves.  Temperatures in 2012 first few days of summer are soaring into the high nineties.  Of course, there is still the summer heat of July and August when there could be days and even weeks on end with temperatures never hitting below 85 or even 90 degrees.  One concern is lack of rain that could lead to ignition of forest fires and fires even in city streets or homes from overheating of products that are not able to be cooled or stay cool.  Computer and electrical outages are very common during heat waves.  One of the often overlooked subject matters is refrigeration during the summer months and or during heatwaves.

Take care not to overstock refrigerators during very high temperatures.  Make use of opening and closing both refrigerator and freezer doors also.  Repeated opening, closing and overstocking a refrigerator during extreme heated temperatures outside and or in the home make for a refrigerator to not stay cold enough for food safety.  Spoiled food in the home during excessive heat is often caused by warm air running through the refrigerator throughout the door and food packed too close together.

During a heatwave, try not to keep too many carbonated and sweet drinks in the refrigerator.  It makes for excessive thirst.  Keep food products at a lower capacity and foods that are water based such as live fruits and vegetables.  Keep in mind that if there is a electric company outage, all refrigerated foods could end up going to waste.  This is another reason to not overstock a refrigerator during the hottest months of the year.

http://scienceray.com/technology/refrigeration-during-heat-wave/

© 2012 Sharon L. West