Disaster Safety

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) warns consumers to be aware of electrical dangers associated with severe storms and the resulting floods and power outages. Deaths and injuries during the summer months are frequently caused by post-storm electrical hazards. The high winds, extreme rains, and flooding caused by hurricanes and tornadoes present many unique dangers. ESFI offers consumers important advice about how to help prevent electrically related deaths, injuries, and property loss by taking a few precautions during and after severe storms and other natural disasters.

Weather-Related Deaths and Injuries 

Events

• 289,919: total number of weather events reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between 2013 and 2017
• The total number of events increased by 7.6% between 2013 and 2017

Deaths

• 2,776: total number of weather event deaths reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between 2013 and 2017
• Direct and indirect deaths from weather events increased by 22% between 2013 and 2017
• Top three causes of deaths (2013 - 2017):
  • Heat (normal and excessive): 498 deaths
  • Flash flood: 451 deaths
  • Rip current: 256 deaths
• Deadliest weather events (2013 - 2017):
  • Flash Flood / Tropical Storm: Hurricane Harvey - 130 deaths. August 25 - 30, 2017, Texas.
  • Debris Flow - 43 deaths. March 22, 2014, Washington. 
  • Excessive Heat - 37 deaths. July 2013, desert southwest

Injuries

• 8,385: total number of weather event injuries reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between 2013 and 2017
• Direct and indirect injuries from weather events increased by 117% between 2013 and 2017
• Top three causes of injuries (2013 - 2017):
  • Heat (normal and excessive): 2,907 injuries
  • Ice Storm: 1,038 injuries
  • Thunderstorm Wind: 838 injuries