Summer power outages bring a secondary, quiet threat: rapid indoor heat buildup. When cloud cover clears following a July thunderstorm, solar radiation quickly heats darkened homes. Indoor temperatures often climb above 90°F within a few hours, accompanied by stifling humidity.
The CDC hurricane safety guidelines highlight extreme heat exhaustion as a major post-storm hazard, particularly for seniors, young children, and pets. Keep blinds and curtains closed on east- and west-facing windows. Move daily activities to the lowest level of the home, drink water consistently, and avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages that accelerate dehydration.
Portable generators help run fans or small window air conditioners, but they must be managed with extreme care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that generators should never be run inside a home, basement, garage, or covered porch. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and fast-acting. Position the unit outside at least 20 feet away from any door, window, or soffit vent, pointing the exhaust pipe away from the structure.
