Sacaramento Bee - Jan 11, 2007
Emergency officials braced to help the needy and homeowners scrambled to buy pipe insulation as a Siberian cold front crept into California.
There remains a slim chance for snowfall in Sacramento and other low-lying areas tonight, with a 20 percent chance of precipitation. But below-freezing temperatures are a more immediate concern.
The low temperature in Sacramento tonight is expected to be 27 degrees. And that's the good news.
Temperatures are predicted to drop to 25 degrees Friday night and 26 degrees Saturday night. Winds of 10 to 20 mph through Friday will make the cold feel worse, dropping perceived temperatures into the teens.
The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch covering the entire Central Valley for Friday night through Saturday morning. This means plants and pipes could freeze, and pets and vulnerable people should be protected.
"We could definitely see some snow flurries, but we're not expecting snow to accumulate in the valleys," said Steve Goldstein, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. "The big concern really is the cold temperatures."
Keeping in mind last July's heat wave - blamed for more than 140 deaths in California -- state and local officials Wednesday mobilized "warming centers" for anyone who needs refuge from the cold.
"We are very concerned about people who don't have enough heat in their homes or are homeless," said Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo.
"We want to make sure that nobody in Sacramento is left out in the cold, literally," said county Supervisor Roger Dickinson.
Isleton has posted notices that its firehouse and community center are available to anyone whose heating system fails.
"The cold is dangerous," said Dr. Mark Horton, California's public health officer. "There are certain subgroups that are particularly vulnerable: children, the elderly, people with respiratory conditions. Check in on those folks to be sure they're being looked after and cared for appropriately."
Horton warned people not to use any outdoor heat source inside a home, such as a barbecue or cook stove, which can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to accumulate.
Brace for the Cold
Sacramento Bee (sacbee.com - registration required)
Warning: With the nightly low temperatures predicted to drop below freezing in the next several days, local officials are urging residents to take precautions.
Home and hearth:
• Review family emergency plan.
• Replenish emergency supply kits, check radio and flashlight batteries.
• Have extra blankets.
• Pay special attention to infants, children, seniors and those with disabilities.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter.
• Move family pets indoors or to an enclosure out of the elements.
• Move plants indoors or cover with blankets or plastic to prevent freezing.
• Maintain a sufficient supply of heating fuel.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
• Do not bring heating devices into the home that are intended for outdoor use, such as barbecues and other cooking equipment or other fuel-burning devices. These items can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Cold weather wear:
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Pay attention to symptoms:
• Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering are signs of hypothermia. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy skin are symptoms of frostbite. Seek immediate medical attention.
• In the case of overexposure to freezing temperatures, remove wet clothing and immediately warm the body with a blanket or warm fluids.
Key Web sites:
• Governor's Office of Emergency Services -- http://www.oes.ca.gov
• Red Cross -- http://www.redcross.org
• State Department of Health Services -- http://www.dhs.ca.gov. Source: Yolo County Public Information Office
WARMING CENTERS
For the cold spell predicted for the area through the weekend, Sacramento city and county officials will open four warming centers:
• Ethel MacLeod Hart Multipurpose Senior Center, 915 27th St.;
• Oak Park Community Center, 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.;
• Clunie Community Center, 601 Alhambra Blvd.;
• Robertson Community Center, 3525 Norwood Ave.
The centers will be open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. If needed, those needing shelter at closing time will be transported by Regional Transit to overnight accommodations.
(photo credit: runs_with_scissors )
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