L.A. County Department of Public Health (LADPH) issued a Cold Weather Alert to the Santa Clarita Valley for Wednesday, Dec. 23, on top of the National Weather Service’s Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory.

Santa Clarita is forecasted to have a windy and cool Wednesday, according to the Seven Day forecast from the National Weather Service, with a high around 64 degrees in the day and a low near 40 in the evening.

See Related: Gusty Santa Ana Winds In Santa Clarita Weather Forecast

25 to 30 mph winds are expected in the valley, with gusts up to 45 or 50 miles per hour. Thursday is expected to be cloudy with similar wind speeds.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, read the Wind Advisory. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”

See Related: Santa Clarita To Be Monitored For Public Safety Power Shutoffs Through Christmas Eve

The increased winds and low humidity are also conducive to fire danger, and a Red Flag Warning has also been issued for the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Los Angeles County Health Officer is extending a Cold Weather Alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. 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.”

LADPH encourages residents to dress in warm, dry clothes if outside, to bring pets inside overnight, and to check on family members with limited mobility to ensure they are staying warm.

“People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures. Early symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation.”

The LADPH also had these tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when heating a home:

• Only use approved heaters, such as electric or natural gas heaters and fireplaces. Never use stoves, barbecues and ovens to heat your room or home, as these appliances can produce a deadly gas known as carbon monoxide that can collect inside your home.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to reduce the risk of poisoning.
• 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.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause 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, according to the LADPH.

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