Customers of Central Hudson who are concerned about food spoiling in their refrigerators or freezers due to a lack of power, will be able to obtain quantities of dry ice from the utility at several locations on Saturday, Dec. 13.  The dry ice will be available on a first-come, first served basis while supplies last, at:

• Two locations in Ulster County: Central Hudson’s facility on the corner of Route 299 and Eltings Corners Rd. (opposite Lowe’s) beginning at approximately 12:00 noon; and at Ellenville Village Hall, 2 Elting Court, beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m.

• In Dutchess County at Red Hook High School, 103 West Market Street, beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m.

• In Albany County at Cornell Hook and Ladder Fire Department, 77 Gill Road, New Baltimore, starting at about 2:00 p.m.

Additional supplies of dry ice will be made available through the duration of the storm restoration effort, at places and times to be announced. This information is also available at www.CentralHudson.com - click on the red box labeled “Storm Information.”

What is dry ice?

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide — avoid direct contact with the skin. Handle it with care — use gloves, a towel, etc. to insulate your fingers when handling the dry ice.  When transporting dry ice in your car, either open the windows or set the air conditioner to “fresh” outside air rather than “recirculate.” Carbon dioxide build-up can be hazardous in a closed space. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from dry ice at all times!

Using dry ice safely

Keep dry ice wrapped in newspaper, paper bags, or towels for safety and to extend the life of the dry ice.   To preserve refrigerated (not frozen) foods, place the dry ice in the BOTTOM of a cooler, refrigerator, or insulated container. Place no food in contact with the dry ice.

When using dry ice to keep foods frozen, place the dry ice ON TOP of the items you want frozen. Do not allow foods to have direct contact with the dry ice. Place an insulating material — such as cardboard — between the dry ice and food. 

NEVER put dry ice in a beverage or drink.

A small quantity of dry ice wrapped in an insulating container has an effective cooling time of about 24 hours.  Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible preserves the food and extends the cooling value of the dry ice even further.

When dry ice is not available, or if you are only able to get enough to preserve your frozen food, regular ice cubes, available at convenience stores and markets, can help preserve refrigerated foods.  Place bags or containers of ice throughout the refrigerator, avoiding direct contact with food.

#          #          #