According to Climate Central, the US experienced 60% more power outages during the summer seasons between 2014 and 2023 than it did from 2000 to 2009. Many factors can contribute to this, including higher electricity use from air conditioners, wildfires, severe weather and downed power lines.

The weather is finally changing now, but blackouts can still happen. Being prepared is important because, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the average blackout lasts longer than five hours. Over five hours without air conditioning can lead to heat-related health complications . The good news is that there are ways you can keep yourself and others physically and mentally cool when this happens.

1. Prepare an emergency kit

An emergency kit is simple to build and doesn

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