Heat-related deaths and illness in the U.S. account for more people dying annually than those killed in hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Heat related incidents are totally preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure. Here are some tips to follow during hot-dry weather.