LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
Los Angeles County Public Health Logo

313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

December 12, 2013

Cold Weather Alert:
Low Temperatures Expected in Parts of Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - The County Health Officer is extending the Cold Weather Alert for the San Fernando and Antelope Valley areas due to the National Weather Service's forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the following areas and dates:

"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," said Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps; care should be taken to ensure they don't get too cold when they are outside."

A Winter Shelter Program is available for seniors and those looking for a place to stay warm. Locations and transportation information can be found on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's website at: http://www.lahsa.org/winter_shelter_program.asp, or by calling the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone. For the deaf and hard of hearing, please call the TDD line at 1-800-660-4026.

Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide could lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be taken outside, into fresh air, immediately, and should be taken to an emergency room for immediate medical treatment.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting http://211la.org.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.



Winter Shelter Program | 211 LA County



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