When power outages extend over several days, incidents of gastrointestinal illnesses often increase, along with other health problems.
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Tens of thousands of people are currently without electricity California, Texas and Arkansas, as wildfires ravage the West and a winter storm hits the South.
Research shows that a power outage also increases the risk of many health problems, from gastrointestinal illnesses to heart attacks and even burns.
“We see a whole host of things happen when the power goes out,” says Joanne Caseyassociate professor of environmental sciences, occupational health and epidemiology at the University of Washington who has studied health risks from power outages.
“We are seeing an increase cardiorespiratory hospitalizations. We’ve seen an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning because people are misusing generators. And our group also saw an increase in injuries among children, including an increase in burns after the power outages began,” says Casey. This is probably because people use candles for light or gas stoves to generate heat.
Motor vehicle accidents also tend to increase during power outages, likely because traffic signals and street lights are not working.
“We also know that when people are stressed, they drive more erratically and experience more accidents,” she says.
When power outages extend over several days, incidents of gastrointestinal illness often increase, Casey says. Indeed, the lack of electricity not only causes food to deteriorate in refrigerators, but can also interrupt the operation of water treatment plants and pumping stations.
She notes power outages frequently occur alongside extreme weather events or natural disasters such as wildfires. This kind of double whammy amplifies the health risks involved.
“It’s this confluence of events that’s happening with climate change that really blows up these events and makes them much worse than they would have been otherwise,” Casey says.
Human-caused climate change causes large, destructive wildfires more likely due to warmer temperatures and drier vegetation.
Although power outages affect everyone, those most affected are typically young children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment like oxygen or life support devices. home dialysis, she said.
“What’s an inconvenience to me could be life-threatening for someone who can’t breathe well without a home oxygen concentrator,” notes Casey.
The best way to protect yourself in these situations is to plan ahead, says Alyssa Provencioassociate professor and disaster management expert at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Here are some things to consider:
For people who rely on medical devices powered by electricity
Check if the device has a battery backup that you can use if available. Contact your local utility company to let them know you are using a medical device.
“If that’s the case, it’s possible that power could be restored sooner, because they tend to prioritize those restorations,” Provencio says.
Some local utility companies also have programs that provide an external battery to people who use medical equipment at home.
If you have medications that require refrigeration
Provencio says most refrigerated medications are safe for one to two days at room temperature, although this can vary, so check with your doctor or pharmacist for your specific prescription. Storing them in coolers can help maintain temperature, even without ice packs — but obviously use them if you have them, she says.
Keep batteries and flashlights handy
Try using battery-powered flashlights or lanterns and avoid using candles if possible. Candles can easily tip and ignite flammable materials, making them a risky choice for lighting during a power outage.
Try not to open the refrigerator too much
Provencio says food in general will stay safe for up to four hours if the refrigerator is unopened, and up to 48 hours in a full freezer, or 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
“The more food you have in your freezer, the longer it will stay cold because all of that food is frozen,” she says.
Keep bottled water and canned foods on hand if you can.
Keep the heat in as best you can
If your home is heated with electricity, you can move into a room with the rest of your family or roommates to trap the heat and try not to open many doors. Keep extra blankets, clothes, and sleeping bags on hand.
Sign up for emergency alerts
Provencio says most emergency alert systems are opt-in, so you have to opt-in to receive them.
“People don’t always know,” she says. “They think they’re going to automatically receive alerts,” but that’s not always the case.
Don’t forget about emotional and mental well-being
“Often, when there is a power outage, we think we need to isolate ourselves,” says Provencio. “And we can still use our phones to call or text to check in on our loved ones, especially those who are most vulnerable, and make sure they have what they need.”
So always keep a fully charged portable battery charger. She says to try to keep puzzles, books, games, and other activities that don’t rely on screen time on hand so you have something to occupy your mind.
This story was edited by Jane Greenhalgh