With low temperatures expected this weekend, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials issued an official cold weather alert to the public on Friday.

The alert is set to be in effect in the Santa Clarita Valley through Sunday due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures, which are expected to be below 32 degrees due to wind chill, according to the alert.

“Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps,” said Dr. Jeffrey Guzenhauser, Los Angeles County Interim Health Officer. “Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside.”

A winter shelter program is available to seniors and county residents in need of a place to stay warm, with locations and transportation information available online or through the LA County Information line at 2-1-1.

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“There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities,” Guzenhauser said. “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.”

Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide could lead to death within minutes, according to department officials. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain and nausea.

Health department officials advise that anyone believed to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be taken outside into fresh air immediately and brought to an emergency room for immediate medical treatment.

The cold weather alert listed the following precautions residents can take to protect themselves 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.