A wind advisory placed upon the Santa Clarita Valley projected gusts of up to 50 mph on Monday night, which was followed up by a cold weather alert.
Temperatures within the valley were already forecasted by the National Weather Service to drop to a low of 46 degrees Fahrenheit, a low that was expected to be repeated Tuesday night. However, the windchill effect could drop that number to as low as 32 degrees. The cold weather alert lasts until Tuesday night.
County health officials offered a caution for those especially sensitive to more severe temperatures on the dates of the cold weather alerts.
“Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather,” said Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer. “Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside.”
The following are some precautions one can take to prevent themselves and others from the cold: dressing in layers, wearing a hat, scarf, gloves and socks, bringing pets indoors and checking in on those with limited mobility and/or access to heat.
“People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia,” according to the county’s alert. Early symptoms of hypothermia can include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation.
It is also advised for individuals to not use stoves, barbecues or ovens as a source of heat due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can call 2-1-1 or visit www.211la.org for emergency preparedness information and other referral services, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. For the deaf and hard of hearing, call the TDD line at 1-800-660-4026.
