Extreme Cold

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Extreme Cold Safety Tips:

Extreme Cold Safety TipsLos Angeles County and Kern County both provide beautiful weather for most of the year. However, every winter both counties are affected by extreme winter weather conditions. To keep safe in the extreme cold, there are some easy things to remember to do:

  • Do not use a barbeque, propane patio heater or charcoal to heat your home. This will release carbon monoxide into your home, not mention the fire risk.
  • Never use a kitchen oven or range as a supplemental heating device.
  • When using an electric heater, do not overload the circuit. Avoid using extension cords.
  • Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly as they are susceptible to hypothermia.
  • If you own pets, bring them inside or find them a warm place with water that is not frozen. If it’s too cold for you, then it’s probably too cold for them.
  • Dress warmly – don’t forget to wear gloves and a hat.
  • Remove wet clothing immediately and drink something warm to help raise your body temperature.
  • Keep lots of wood around if you use a fireplace. Never use coal.
  • Insulate water lines on exterior walls so they are less susceptible to freezing.
  • Add weather stripping and insulation to your home to weatherproof it.
  • Keep generators outdoors and away from the home. Ensure there are no air vents or crawl spaces near the generator; exhaust fumes can enter the home through these openings.
  • Knock on the hood of your vehicle before starting the engine. During cold weather, engine compartments are a common place for cats to seek warmth.
  • Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm. Check and clean them on a monthly basis.

Winter Weather Hazards Terminology

If you live in or plan on traveling to the mountains or deserts of Los Angeles County or Kern County, it is important to have a basic understanding of the various winter hazards. The National Weather Service issues advisories, watches and warnings that are specific to winter weather conditions. Knowing what each of these advisories, watches and warnings means is important. These warnings are meant to save lives and property. However, these warnings are useless unless they are received by the public. AV Fire News encourages everyone to purchase a battery powered weather radio. These weather radios come in a small pocket-sized  to larger weather radios that also have a flashlight, cell phone charger and other features. The pocket sized weather radio is great for hiking trips, camping and traveling. Don’t be fooled by the sunny skies when you leave your house. Weather conditions in Southern California can change very fast and unexpectedly.

Winter Weather Advisory

Imminent, occurring or highly probable in the next 12 hours snowfall rates of the following:

Mountain zones: 4-7″ in 12 hours
Zones 37, 38, and 59: 1-3″ in 12 hours
All other zones: Any snow in 12 hours

…Or when the following criteria is occurring or is expected to occur in the next 12 hours:
1. Any single or combination of precipitation type(s) and wind
2. Multiple precipitation type

Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm or Heavy Snow conditions are possible in the next 12 to 48 hours.

Winter Storm Warning

Imminent, occurring or highly probable snowfall rates of the following:

Mountain zones:
Above 7000 ft: 12″ in 12 hours or 18″ in 24 hours
Below 7000 ft: 8″ in 12 hours or 12″ in 24 hours

Non-mountain zones:
4″ in 12 hours or 6″ in 24 hours

…Or when the following criteria is occurring or is expected to occur in the next 12 hours:
1. Any single or combination of precipitation type(s) and wind below blizzard
2. Multiple precipitation type

Wind Chill Advisory

Wind chill values between -10 F and -19 F are imminent, occurring, or highly probable in the next 12 hours

Wind Chill Watch

Wind chill values -20 F or less are possible in the next 12 to 48 hours

Wind Chill Warning

Wind chill values -20 F or less are imminent, occurring, or highly probable in the next 12 hours

Ice Storm Warning

Imminent, occurring or highly probable ice accrual of 1/4 inch or more due to freezing rain in the next 12 hours

Freezing Rain Advisory

Imminent, occurring or highly probable accrual of ice up to 1/4 inch thick due to freezing rain or freezing drizzle

Blizzard Watch

Combination of sustained 35 mph or greater wind and visibility 1/4 mile or less in snow and blowing snow expected in the next 12 to 48 hours

Blizzard Warning

Combination of sustained 35 mph or greater wind and visibility 1/4 mile or less in snow and blowing snow expected to last at least 3 hours during the next 12 to 18 hours

Frost Advisory

Surface temperature is forecast to reach or fall below 32 F, but remain above 28 F for two consecutive hours over a widespread area

Freeze Watch

Freeze conditions probable in the next 12 to 48 hours

Freeze Warning

Surface temperature is forecast to reach or fall below 28 F for two or more consecutive hours over a widespread area

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Summary of weather hazards affecting or expected to affect the area during the next 7 days.

Special Weather Statement

Significant or unusual weather event(s) forecast to occur in the next 1 to 3 days.

 

Checkout the Midland Same All-Hazard Handheld Weather Alert Radio