Freezing temperatures set to hit Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys

The Los Angeles County health department Friday extended a cold weather alert for the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys as wind chill temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing Saturday and into Wednesday.

The alert will be effective through at least Tuesday for the Santa Clarita Valley and Wednesday for Antelope Valley residents, the health department said.

Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, said extra precautions should be taken to ensure that children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs 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 said. “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.”

He urged residents to shelter indoors during peak cold times and take the following precautions:

— Dress in layers of warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks to protect heads, hands and feet from the cold;

— Frequently 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;

— Never use stoves, barbecues and ovens to heat your room or home, as these appliances can produce a deadly gas known as carbon monoxide;

— Place any outdoor generator at least 10 feet away from all doors and windows to avoid exhaust gases entering the home; and

— Bring any pets indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has a Winter Shelter Program available for those who need shelter. Locations and transportation information can be found at www.lahsa.org or by calling the LA County Information line at 2-1-1.

People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation. As hypothermia progresses, shivering may stop and residents may experience blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Immediate medical care should be sought for anyone showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite, which most commonly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.