Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises

02/05/23

“Why can power shut-offs from heat waves lead to public health crises?”

Heat waves are major public health problems. The intense temperatures can lead to mass dehydration, strokes, and even death. Electricity usage spikes during heat waves. If there is not enough supply to meet demand, then power shut-offs can ensue. Such events further exacerbate the public health crisis, whether it be air conditioners not working to hospitals and water filtration systems shutting down. Loss of functioning infrastructure reduces regional capacity to deal with heat waves, starting an intense domino effect of catastrophes. This is Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises.