FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Hurricanes aren’t deadly just because of catastrophic winds and heavy rain, but also because of what they leave behind.

A review of more than 200 hurricane-related deaths in Florida from 2004 and 2005 – the last time before 2016 that a hurricane made landfall in the state – showed that more people died after the storms than during them.

The deadliest activity was cleaning up.

Almost half of the people who died during cleanup fell from a roof, ladder or tree. Harnesses, lifelines, lanyards, anchors, slip-resistant shoes and ladder safety devices will help. If you don’t know how to use the equipment, you should consider waiting. And learn how before the next storm.

Tree limbs, boards, ceilings and other objects are unstable after a hurricane, and people have been killed by falling debris after the winds have stopped. If you are walking around in a storm-damaged building, or cleaning up under trees, wear gloves, boots and a hard hat.

Avoid standing water, which may hide broken glass, sharp metal or a downed power line, and don’t allow children to play in puddles.

Be careful using metal tree trimmers or metal ladders around power lines, and make sure appliances are dry before plugging them back in. Electrocution is a very real risk after storms.

Carbon monoxide is a quick killer. If you have a generator, make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector, either battery-operated or with a battery backup. Never operate a generator inside a house, garage, shed or other enclosed area, even if windows and doors are open. Do not use it outside near open windows or doors.

Many storm-related deaths involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup. If you have a heart condition, it is better to hire a professional crew to help with the heavy yard work.

Flames from candles, improper use of generators and boarded windows and doors have all contributed to post-storm injuries and deaths. Battery-operated lanterns are safer than gas lanterns. Unless you are covering a broken window, there’s no reason to leave the boards or shutters up once the storm has passed.