Can I use a cooler as a temporary fridge during a power outage?

Yes, but only for a day or two if you manage the ice carefully — pre-chill everything, use block ice, and keep the cooler in the shade. Coolers don’t actively remove heat, so food stays safe at 40°F for maybe 24 hours. Use it for the most perishable items first, skip condiments, and in winter just put food outside. For longer outages, you need dry ice, a generator, or a plan to eat everything quickly.