(CNN) — As extreme weather worsens from the climate crisis, power outages are becoming more common in the United States. This is because the demand for electricity increases and the country’s energy infrastructure becomes older and more vulnerable.
In September 2022, an analysis by Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, revealed that between 2000 and 2021, 83% of all reported power outages were caused by a weather-related event, from wildfires from droughts to damaging storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, many of which will only intensify global warming.
In this graph you can consult updated information on the areas without electricity in the United States:
What to do if you find yourself in the middle of a power outage?
Stay at home
Staying indoors is the best option to stay safe during a winter power outage, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you can, stay off the roads; Icy conditions can lead to car accidents.
Take stock of the essentials
In case the power outage lasts a few days, you should have the following on hand:
- Extra food and water – a three to seven day supply is a good standard
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- battery radio
- additional medications
- first aid supplies
- If you need to take a trip outdoors, keep it as short as possible and wear several layers of clothing, says the CDC.
- Check with your local emergency authorities to make sure it is safe to drive or ride in the cold.
If power outages are due to heat:
It is recommended:
Wear loose, light clothing and stay on the lowest level of your home
Use battery powered fans
Close all shades and blinds on the sunny side of your house
How to stay safe
When your community is faced with extreme heat, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and others.
First, watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or other illnesses.
“If someone starts feeling light-headed, dizzy, nauseated, or has a headache, it’s time to act right away,” according to Dr. Judith Linden, executive vice president of the department of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center. “That means taking them out of the heat and into a cool environment.”
Giving someone who may be experiencing symptoms water and giving them fluids can help cool them down. If someone begins to lose consciousness or has nausea or vomiting, call the emergency service in your country.
“If you see someone with any kind of confusion, that’s an immediate red flag,” Linden added.
When it’s hot outside, he tries to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to Linden. If you must go out, wear light-colored clothing, cover your head, and drink plenty of fluids.
Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water, as this can be a sign of dehydration. Linden recommends drinking at least one glass of water, or more, per hour.
“If you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, sweaty, with a rapid pulse, get out of the heat immediately,” Linden said.
Try to find air conditioning or places in your area where you can go to stay cool, according to Ready.gov. Even spending a few hours at a mall or public library can help.
When you’re home, fans can help, but don’t rely on them as your only way to cool down; while they may make you more comfortable, they will not help prevent heat-related illness.
