(Santa Ana, California) – The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for several inland and coastal cities throughout Orange County beginning at midnight on February 23 through 8 a.m. Thursday 2/24. Overnight temperatures in some areas will dip to the low 30s. Several hours of temperatures are sufficient for frost tonight with 4 to 6 hours of near freezing conditions. Colder-than-normal temperatures increase the risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia, especially for those who are more sensitive to extreme weather changes.
It is recommended to limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite, can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure. Hypothermia and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely low temperatures. Those most at risk include older adults with inadequate food, clothing or heating. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands. Effects of frostbite include redness, white or grayish-yellow in any area of the skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy or numbness.
“Hypothermia and frostbite are serious medical conditions, and anyone who may be suffering from these or any other medical emergency should visit a local emergency room or call 9-1-1. When facing a frost advisory, it is important to make certain that you are protected from hypothermia. Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room as they lose body heat more easily than adults. Dress babies in warm clothing such as footed pajamas, woven cap or one-piece sleep sacks,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Deputy County Health Officer. “To avoid overheating, please be careful not to over bundle sleeping infants and keep rooms at a temperature comfortable for adults.” See specific details from the National Institutes of Health on the Risk of SIDS During Cold Weather.
Residents are also cautioned against using their kitchen range or oven to heat their homes. If space heaters are used, make sure there is nothing within three feet of the heater that could catch on fire, such as bedding, drapes or furniture. Never cover your space heater and never leave children unattended near a space heater. In the event that electric power is lost during a storm, never use a gasoline powered generator indoors, in a garage or near doors or windows where air may enter a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that at high levels of exposure can be fatal. Low levels of
carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of the symptoms of low-level exposure include
shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide exposure can present with headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, which is very similar to a smoke detector.
Recommended precautions to prepare your household for cold weather or power outage:
- Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying warm – including seniors who live alone, as well as other vulnerable populations such as young children
- Make sure to check on your pets.
For more information on cold weather safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.
