Los Angeles County’s Interim Health Officer has issued a Cold Weather Alert for the Santa Clarita Valley through Wednesday night due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for wind chill temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other areas of Los Angeles County are also included in the alert:
· Antelope Valley – through Friday, February 23
· Los Angeles County Mountain areas – through Friday, February 23
· San Fernando Valley – Monday, February 19 through Wednesday, February 21
· Pomona Valley – Tuesday, February 20 through Wednesday, February 21
· San Gabriel Valley – Tuesday, February 20
“Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Interim Health Officer.
“Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” he said. “There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbeques or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has a Winter Shelter Program available for those who need shelter. Locations and transportation information are online at https://www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter or by calling the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone. For the deaf and hard of hearing, please call the TDD line at 1-800-660-4026.
In the Santa Clarita Valley, Bridge to Home offers shelter for homeless individuals and families. The shelter is located at 23031 Drayton Street, Newhall 91350. It’s open daily from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. through mid-March. Pick-up points vary. Call the Shelter site at 661-388-0086 for more information.
Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:
· Dress in layers of warm clothing if you plan to be outdoors.
· Protect extremities from the cold by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, and socks.
· Offer to help those in your neighborhood with limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
· During peak cold times, if you don’t have a heater in your home, visit indoor public facilities such as shopping malls, libraries or senior centers.
· If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.
· If you use an outdoor generator at home, place it at least 10 feet away from all doors and windows to avoid exhaust gases entering the home.
· Stoves, barbeques and ovens can produce a deadly gas known as carbon monoxide when used to heat a home. Never use these appliances in place of approved heaters such as electric, natural gas, or fireplaces.
· Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to reduce the risk of poisoning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide could lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be taken outside, into fresh air, immediately, and should be taken to an emergency room for immediate medical treatment.
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 2-1-1 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 2-1-1 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org.
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Jesse ~Peace and Love~
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Brrrr
Sandra Marie Altomare Cookie Jones
Bring it!
Waiting for the snow