freeze question

Yes- leave it unplugged and open, otherwise it will get smelly! Once you're sure electricity supply is sound, you should be able to use it again again.

Depending on what's in it, you might be able to salvage a few things, since the weather has been fairly cold. I discovered freezer in shed had stopped working- not sure how long, but bread and cake in it was fine, also fruit which I immediately converted into jam!

Have you checked your house insurance? Lots of policies cover the contents of your freezer in the event of a breakdown. You could then ditch most of the food and not worry if it was safe to eat or not. When in doubt chuck it out which I think you intend to do anyway. When you empty the freezer you may as well give it a good clean. It’s probably going to be smelly from the food anyway.

Good time to empty & clean with bi- carb & vinegar that should get rid of any smells. Leave lid open to air. Maybe pull out & clean underneath.
Yes check your insurance!

update. electric fully back sorted new motor on garage door, going to bag up the food tomorrow and take to the tip,it is mainly bags of produce from my allotment ie runner beans,raspberrys etc, the are baged up in small bags put in thick carrier bags in each drawer in freezer, so should be less mess in freezer, i think it would be hard to claim on my insurance for the food as its home grown, will be brace and look inside freezer in the morning, thank you all for your helful comments.