Severe Cold Alert How to stay warm in the middle of a winter storm in California?

The Department of Public Health has also issued a severe cold alert for Los Angeles County. Some areas will even experience temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Affected areas include:

• Eastern San Gabriel Valley: Thursday, February 23 through Friday, February 24 and Sunday, February 26, 2023.
• Valley of Santa Clarita: from Thursday February 23 to Sunday February 26, 2023.
• Lancaster: from Thursday February 23 to Monday February 27, 2023.
• Mont Wilson: from Thursday February 23 to Monday February 27, 2023.
• East San Fernando Valley: Sunday, February 26, 2023.
• Western San Gabriel Valley: Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Low temperatures, accompanied by wind and rain are unusual conditions in the state. This is why the Red Cross reminds us of the measures to take into account to protect yourself from the cold.

First of all, you must wear appropriate clothing to withstand low temperatures. This is vitally important if you are going to be outside for long hours.

• Try to stay dry. If your clothes are wet, you can lose body heat much faster.
• Stay covered. Wear gloves and hats. The Red Cross reminds that “at least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered”.
• Dress in layers, this means that you should wear several clothes, in addition to a thick coat to avoid losing body heat.
• On very cold days, minimize your outdoor exposure if possible.

To keep your home at a comfortable temperature, the Red Cross recommends:

• Set your heating between 68 and 70°F.
• Close windows and doors in your home to prevent heat loss.
• Close the rooms you are not using so you don’t lose heat from your heater.

If you do not have a heating system in your home:

• Please dress in appropriate and warm clothing. Use blankets when you’re sitting or doing an activity that doesn’t require movement, like watching TV.
• Close the doors and windows of your home.
• Use towels to cover the cracks under the doors to protect yourself from the cold.
• When you fall asleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas and use extra blankets.
• Pay particular attention to children, the elderly or people with chronic illnesses.

The Red Cross also recommends avoiding alcohol. “Alcoholic beverages cause you to lose body heat,” they say.

Finally, stay informed to avoid crossing areas under alert and know the temperatures and thermal sensations of the area where you live.