Analysis of Emergency Department Use in Houston During Power Outages After Hurricane Beryl to Inform Targeted Interventions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To identify changes in emergency department (ED) use in Houston, TX during the mid-summer Hurricane Beryl-induced power outage to inform future targeted public health interventions. METHODS: Syndromic surveillance system ED visit daily counts for total visits, heat-related illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, acute cardiac condition, stroke, dialysis, and medication refills post-hurricane were statistically compared to the 2 weeks prior and plotted alongside the percentage of the population with power outage. RESULTS: < 0.05) than the 2 weeks prior for total visits and acute cardiac events (Day 1, 2); heat-related illness (Day 1-3); dialysis (Day 0-3); and carbon monoxide poisoning and medication refill (Day 1-9). CONCLUSIONS: While 50% of the city experienced power outages from high winds, total ED visits, acute cardiac events, and heat-related illness were statistically higher in the first 3 days after Beryl than expected. Houston developed targeted messaging to mitigate these events in future disasters.
Authors: Kelsey Caton, Loren Hopkins, Lance Wood, Angela Blanchard, Janeana White, Stephen Williams, David Persse
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4411533331