Cold weather alert puts SCV on notice
Experts expect temperatures to drop as low as the mid-20s
The forecast of cold temperatures and the threat of frost kept local nurseries busy Monday advising gardeners on how to keep their plants alive.
Los Angeles County health officials issued a weather alert for Santa Clarita for the next few days due to low wind chill in the forecast.
The weather alert has been issued to last from Feb. 19-21 for Santa Clarita with temperatures dropping as low as the mid-20s, according to National Weather Service officials.
The fear of frost killing plants sparked a continual line of customers at nurseries.
James Green at Green Landscape Nursery offered customers visiting the business at Bouquet Canyon Road and Cinema Drive advice on how to keep plants warm against frost.
“First of all, when it comes to weather apps on your phone, in your car, online, whatever, when they say the high (temperature) is going to be 102, you know it’s going to be 108
or 109. The same thing goes in reverse for winter time.
“If your apps says 30 to 40 degrees, it’s going to be colder,” he said.
Frost threat
Covering your tree will help the plant retain some of the heat.
Specially made “frost tarps” made of a gauzelike material are the best, Green said—noting that Green Landscape sells the material.
Coverings made of burlap, bed sheets and plastic all work as well, but to varying degrees, he said.
“The problem with plastic is if you leave it on during the daytime, it’s going incubate the plant and end up burning it,” he said.
An inexpensive, yet effective, way of warming outdoor plants is to string them with “old style” Christmas lights which give off heat.
“They give off a small amount of warmth and it’s a popular thing to do—I think because it’s entertaining,” Green said.
Electric fans are also effective, he said, in that they “disrupt the frost from settling,” he said.
Chilly forecast
Sunday night was forecast to have temperatures drop to around 40 degrees, while Monday and Tuesday were expected to see temperature drop to about 35 degrees or lower, according to Kathy Hoxsie, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
A small amount of snow could fall close to 1,5002,500 feet. Drivers who commute in the early morning are advised to drive with caution as roads could be icy and slick, according to Hoxsie.
“Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps.
Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the Los Angeles County interim health officer.
“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 on their website or by calling the LA County information line at 211 from any landline or cell phone.
Warm advice
The interim county health officer has also provided some information on how 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.