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State and Local Emergency and Health Officials Urge Preparedness in Response to Extreme Cold Forecasts
In response to forecasts for unusually cold temperatures throughout much of California in the coming days, local and state emergency and health officials urge residents to prepare themselves, their family members, and their animals for the possible effects of the severe weather.
Exposure to extreme cold can be dangerous to people's health. Actions that can be taken to help protect against severe cold and freezing temperatures include:
Preparing your home and family
- Review and update your family emergency plan, including meeting the needs of infants, children, seniors and those with disabilities.
- Replenish your emergency supply kits including battery-operated radio and flashlights.
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
- Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Make sure to check on family members and neighbors who are elderly or have special needs.
- Move family pets indoors or to an enclosure out of the elements. Likewise protect livestock or other large animals from the cold weather.
- Move plants indoors or cover with blankets or plastic to prevent freezing.
- Maintain a sufficient supply of heating fuel.
- Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Do NOT bring heating devices into the home that are intended for outdoor use, such as barbecues and other cooking equipment or other fuel burning devices. These items can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Dressing for the Weather
- Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Wear a hat.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Travel with Caution
- Have your car winterized and make sure it is working properly.
- Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread.
- Augment your car's emergency supply kit with a shovel, windshield scraper and blankets.
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
- Check road conditions before departing.
- Let others know of your route and your estimated time of arrival.
Recognizing symptoms of cold weather exposure
- Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering are signs of possible hypothermia. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy skin are symptoms of frostbite. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- In the case of overexposure to freezing temperatures, remove wet clothing and immediately warm the body with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
For more information on preparing for emergencies, visit the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Web site. For health-related information, visit the Department of Health Services Web site.
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