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How A Penny Can Keep You From Getting Sick When You Return From Vacation
You come home from vacation and see the microwave blinking. You know that the power went out while you were gone, but you have no way of knowing how long it lasted. If it was only for an hour, it’s not a big deal. But if it was for several hours or even a day or more, that could mean all of the food in your refrigerator and freezer is spoiled.
Here’s a trick to help you determine how long the power was off. Before you leave, freeze a small container of water. Once it’s frozen, place a penny on top of the frozen water. If the power goes out and it gets warm enough for the water to melt, the penny will sink.
If you return and the penny frozen halfway down in the water, or even at the bottom, it’s probably a good idea to replace all of your food in the refrigerator and freezer. If the penny is on top, it means that the power was not out long enough for the water to melt.
