L.A. County health officials extend cold weather alert
Cold Weather Alert (LA Public Health)
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County health officials are extending a cold weather alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
•Antelope Valley – through Saturday, December 28
•Los Angeles County Mountain areas –through Saturday, December 28
•Santa Clarita Valley – Friday, December 27
Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:
•Dress in layers of warm clothing if you plan to be outdoors.
•Protect head, hands and feet from the cold by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, and socks.
•Check on and help family members, friends and neighbors with limited mobility and limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
Take shelter 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.
•The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has a Winter Shelter Program available for those who need shelter.
Locations and transportation information are online at http://www.lahsa.org/ or by calling the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone.
"Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather," said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said. "Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don't get too cold when they are outside."
"There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities," Davis continued. "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."
Officials also reminded people not to leave pets outside at night.