Cold weather alert issued for Antelope Valley
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The Los Angeles County health officer has issued a cold weather alert through Thursday for the Antelope Valley and mountain areas due to wind-chill temperatures expected to dip below 32 degrees.
“Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Extra precaution should be taken to en
sure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said 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.”
Lows in the Antelope Valley will be in the mid-20s to mid-30s through Wednesday night, with highs in the upper 40s and 50s. A storm is likely to bring rain Thursday.
County health officials recommend the following 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 frequently on and help family members, friends and neighbors with limited mobility and limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill.
•If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.
• 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 www.lahsa.org/ or by calling the LA County Information line at 211 from any landline or cellphone.
People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Symptoms vary depending on how long someone is exposed to cold temperatures, but early signs include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms of hypothermia include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.