"GMA" Meteorologist Ginger Zee On 3 Smart Ways to Prepare For a …
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Ginger Zee has weathered (no pun intended!) more than a few big storms in her day. So, we were all ears when she shared a few helpful household tips for storm preparedness that she’s learned along the way.
The best part? They all involve super-common items you'll already have in the pantry.
RELATED: Make Sure You’re Ready for Anything With These Emergency ‘Go Bag’ Essentials
1. Quarter + Cup Of Water = Freezer Test
After a storm-induced power outage, it can be hard to tell if your refrigerator was affected. Before the storm, Ginger advises to fill a strong plastic or tempered glass cup with water, stick it in the freezer until solid and then place a quarter on top. After the storm, if your quarter has sunk to the bottom, she says, your freezer and refrigerator likely lost power, and you should toss the food.
"This isn't foolproof," Ginger warns, "but that makes sense, right?"
2. Headlamp + Water Gallon = Instant Lantern
In the last storm Ginger covered, she says, the power went out super early. She had a headlamp with her, and some extra gallons of water so, she strapped the headlamp to the gallon of water, and voilà: Instant lantern! When she went to the bathroom, she could actually see.
”I did my makeup for 'GMA' during the hurricane with this,” she tells us.
RELATED: 3 DIY Skills That Everyone Should Know
3. Gallon Bags + Water = Cooler Packs AND Extra Water
Fill gallon resealable plastic bags with water, Ginger advises, and then stick them in the freezer. Not only will they keep your freezer colder longer, she says, but you'll also have extra water if they do end up melting.
MORE FROM THE DOCTORS: Tips to Stay Warm When You Lose Power in a Blackout
