Have you ever returned home from a trip only to find your digital clocks blinking the wrong time, indicating a power outage during your absence? The uncertainty lingers – how long did it last, and did your frozen food thaw and refreeze in the process?

Here’s a clever trick shared by Sheila Pulanco Russell during Hurricane Matthews in 2016, which can offer peace of mind during evacuations or extended departures. This simple method involves just a mug, a coin, and water from your tap – items readily available in your home.

In her viral Facebook post, Sheila outlines the easy steps: Place a cup of water in your freezer, let it freeze solid, then position a quarter on top of the ice before leaving. When you return, check the coin’s position in the cup to assess the food’s condition.

If the quarter has sunk to the bottom, it signals complete thawing and refreezing, indicating that the food is no longer safe to eat. However, if the quarter remains on top or in the middle, your food likely stayed frozen and is still edible. It’s a smart idea to adopt this method as a routine practice, providing a quick check if a power outage occurs in the future.

By using this handy trick, you can avoid unnecessary food wastage and ensure the safety of your freezer contents. Share this tip with your friends and family to help them safeguard their food supplies too. Remember, the primary goal is everyone’s well-being!