Have you ever returned from a vacation, business trip, or a weekend getaway only to find your digital clocks displaying the wrong time? It’s often a tell-tale sign of a power outage that occurred while you were away, leaving you puzzled about when it happened and, more importantly, how long it lasted. This uncertainty brings a crucial concern: the state of the food in your freezer. Did it thaw out, spoil, and then refreeze?

Thankfully, there’s a clever trick shared by Sheila Pulanco Russell in the wake of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which provides a simple way to find out. This technique is not only handy for those forced to evacuate during a storm but also for anyone who leaves their home for an extended period.

With just a mug, a coin, and some tap water, you can put your mind at ease about the condition of your frozen goods—knowing whether they are safe to eat or should be discarded.

Sheila’s advice, widely shared on Facebook and received with great enthusiasm, outlines the steps you need to follow:

“For those of you evacuating from coastal areas, here’s a great tip known as the one-cup trick. Take a cup of water and freeze it solid in your freezer. Then, place a quarter on top of the frozen water. When you return home, this setup will indicate whether your food was safe or became spoiled. If the power was out long enough for the water to thaw and the quarter has sunk to the bottom, then all your food defrosted and should be thrown out. However, if the quarter is still at the top or somewhere in the middle, your food might still be safe to consume.”

“Keeping this cup in your freezer all the time is a smart idea because if you ever experience a power outage, you’ll have this trick to rely on. If you’re uncertain about the safety of your food, it’s better to be cautious and discard it. The primary concern is everyone’s safety. Please share this on your page.”

This method is simple, effective, and can save you money by not disposing of good food unnecessarily. It’s a small step anyone can take to ensure they don’t have to question the safety and quality of their food after returning from a trip. Feel free to pass on this practical tip to your friends and family!

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