Cold Weather Alert extended through Tuesday

LANCASTER (CNS) — A Cold Weather Alert for the Antelope Valley was extended Friday through Tuesday after below-freezing temperatures with wind-chill factored in was forecast.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging people in the area to:

• Wear layers of warm clothing if they plan to be outdoors.

• Wear a hat, scarf, gloves and socks to protect their head, hands and feet.

• Check in frequently with family, friends and neighbors who have limited mobility or access to heat.

• Bring pets inside. Do not let them stay outside overnight.

“Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis.

“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, barbecues or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Those needing shelter can call the Los Angeles Homeless

Services Authority, which has a winter shelter program, at phone number 211 or online at lahsa.org

Public health officials reminded the public that symptoms may include hypothermia, which develops when people are exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods. Early symptoms include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination and confusion and disorientation.