Hot Weather And Power Outages A Deadly Combination

Sometimes, what happens during a deadly storm or hurricane isn't the biggest killer.

I​t's what happens after that can matter most, especially during power outages.

"Just when we've survived the big weather event, we often think it is over, but the truth is that the repercussions can last days to weeks," weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles said.

(​MORE: Double Disaster Potentially Brewing In Houston Area)

Seventeen of 26 deaths in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida in 2021 were connected to power outages with most of those being related to heat, according to the state health department. At least 11 deaths in Florida after Hurricane Ian were linked to lack of electricity.

In some cases, people died because they got too hot.

"Following hurricanes and derechos, heat is often responsible for a portion of injuries and fatalities sometimes a week or more after the initial disaster," Belles said.

Others didn't have power to run life-saving medical equipment like breathing machines. Some succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators.

In nearly every instance, people could have survived had they taken the appropriate safety precautions.

H​ere's what to know to stay safe during a power outage when it's hot outside:

I​n general, heat is the No. 1 weather killer in the U.S. Though data is hard to compile due to the way records are kept, more people die from heat each year than any other weather hazard. Estimates of annual deaths range from hundreds well into the thousands.

Extended power outages are especially dangerous. "The longer you're without power and with heat, the more likely health issues can arise," Belles said. "Heat stresses compound over hours and days and can slowly lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related medical issues. Lack of sleep due to uncomfortable living spaces can worsen these issues, too."

S​tay hydrated. Water helps regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration from sweating.

H​ave a plan for anyone who relies on electricity to stay alive. Many communities have special needs registries or shelters for those with life-saving home medical equipment. Contact your local emergency management agency to check.

P​ay attention to overnight lows. The body relies on nighttime temperatures to cool down. "Without proper ventilation, heat and humidity linger well into the overnight hours. Temperatures can climb or even exceed outdoors temperatures without air conditioning."

P​ay attention to the heat index, or "feels like" temperature. The heat index a measure of moisture and air temperature combined. When the air is more humid - meaning the heat index is high - it's harder for the human body to cool off through sweating. A heat index over 100 degrees is considered dangerous, but remember that without electricity it can feel hotter inside than outside.

B​e careful when using a generator. Never use a portable generator in or near an enclosed space, or within 15 feet of open windows or doors. Have a carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping space inside your home, and follow all safety rules.

D​on't get overheated during storm clean-up, either. Clearing fallen trees or even just taking out trash can be physically exerting, especially for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions.

M​ORE ON WEATHER.COM

-Texas Couple Dies In Home With No Air Conditioning During Hottest June Ever Recorded On Earth

-​Why Are Heat Waves Getting Worse?

-​Six Things You Should Know About Heat Waves

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.