The Freezer Test: Could Your Game Meat Survive a Power Outage?
East Texas deer season is in full swing — and whether you’re storing venison, wild hog, or duck, your freezer is probably packed with hard-earned meat. But here’s a question not enough hunters ask:
What happens if the power goes out?
If your freezer loses power for even a few hours, your entire stash could start to thaw — and months of meat could be gone overnight. Let’s talk about how long frozen meat really lasts without power, the warning signs of spoilage, and how a backup generator can protect your wild game all season long.
How Long Will Meat Stay Frozen During an Outage?
- A
full freezer can keep food frozen for
48 hours if unopened.
- A
half-full freezer typically lasts about
24 hours without power.
But those numbers assume the door stays closed the entire time — and that the outage doesn’t drag on. In reality, rural East Texas outages can last longer, especially after ice storms, tornadoes, or high winds. Add in warm garage temperatures or an older appliance, and the thawing happens even faster.
Signs Your Game Meat Might Be Spoiled
If you’re not home when an outage hits, you might not even know how long your freezer was off. Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Dripping or pooling water under the freezer
- Off-putting odor when opening the door
- Meat that’s soft to the touch or showing signs of freezer burn
- Ice crystals melted and refrozen on packaging
You may also want to try the
“coin trick”: Keep a cup of frozen water in your freezer with a coin on top. If the coin has sunk to the bottom after an outage, you know your freezer fully thawed — and food safety is questionable.
The Hidden Cost of Spoiled Meat
A single freezer load of venison, pork, or poultry could easily be worth
hundreds or even thousands of dollars in meat. More than the money, though, is the time and effort spent hunting, processing, and preserving it. For many East Texans, that meat is part of their family’s food supply - not just a seasonal luxury.
Standby Generators: The Hunter’s Silent Partner
You can’t control when an outage happens. But you can control whether your freezer — and the food inside — stays protected.
A standby generator from MALL Energy Home:
- Kicks on automatically within seconds of a power outage
- Keeps your freezer, fridge, and other appliances powered
- Runs on propane or natural gas — no need to refuel
- Gives you peace of mind whether you’re in the woods or at home
We size your generator based on
your exact needs, so it covers everything from freezers to heating and beyond.
Don’t Let an Outage Ruin a Season’s Worth of Meat
Hunters know the value of preparation. Don’t let a sudden storm or grid issue cost you your wild game. Whether you're in Longview, Tyler, Gladewater, or the back roads of East Texas, we’ve got your freezer (and your home) covered.
