Ed. Note: The following article is a news release provided by the Los Angeles County Health Officer.

A Cold Weather Alert has been extended for the Santa Clarita Valley and other areas by the Los Angeles County Health Officer due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures through New Year’s Day.

Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit until Friday, Jan. 1 for the L.A. County mountain areas, the Santa Clarita Valley, the Antelope Valley, the San Fernando Valley and the Pomona area.

“Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, L.A. County Interim Health Officer. “Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they 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.”

Take precautions to protect one’s self from the cold:

• Dress in layers of warm clothing if one plans to be outdoors.
• Protect extremities from the cold by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves and socks.
• Offer to help those in one’s neighborhood with limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
• During peak cold times, if one does not have a heater in his or her home, visit indoor public facilities such as shopping malls, libraries or senior centers.
• Bring pets indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.
• Place outdoor generators at least 10 feet away from all doors and windows to avoid exhaust gases entering the home.
• Stoves, barbecues 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 a home to reduce the risk of poisoning.

“We want to remind people not to use stoves, barbeques or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Gunzenhauser.

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.

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 L.A. Homeless Services Authority’s website 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.

L.A. County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 2-1-1 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. 2-1-1 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting their website.