Overnight Temperatures Near Freezing, County Health Officials Issue Reminders

Overnight lows Tuesday into Wednesday were expected between 33 and 37 degrees from Beaumont to Cabazon, and couny health officials issued a reminder for residents as near-freezing conditions continued.

A frost advisory was issued by the National Weather Service for 11 p.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Frost may occur in "colder . . . wind sheltered locations and valleys where drainage winds will cause pooling of cold air," the Weather Service advised. "Frost sensitve plants may be damaged or killed."

Riverside County health officials urged residents to take precautions when they venture into the cold for errands, and to be prepared when traveling on mountain roads or remote roads.

"Exposure to freezing temperatures is not something to be taken lightly," Susan Harrington, director of the Riverside County Department of Public Health, said in a statement. "Some people go out into the cold believing it will be for a short period then find themselves in trouble."

Many animals are vulnerable to cold temperatures. County health officials urged residents to bring pets inside in near-freezing or freezing conditions. Pets should never be left unattended invehicles.

For more tips for care of animals in the cold, visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.

People at the greatest risk of hypothermia and other serious health problems include those who work outside, seniors, infants, and people with chronic conditions, county health officials said.

"The warning signs of hypothermia are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness," a county public health release stated. "For infants, the warning signs are bright red, cold skin and very low energy. If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately and get the individual to a warm room or shelter."

County health officials also recommend drinking warm fluids, keeping homes warm, wearing several thin layers of clothing, and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages because they cause the body to lose heat rapidly.

"Use space heaters and fireplaces appropriately to avoid household fires and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning," county health officials advised.

Anyone driving in the cold should keep extra clothing and blankets in the vehicle and carry chains if traveling on mountain roads.

Residents needing assistance with utilities or home weatherization were urged to contact the Community Action Partnership of Riverside. For more information, visit http://www.capriverside.org/opencms/programs/weatherization or call (951) 955-4900.