LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County’s interim Public Health officer, Dr. Karl Sporer, has issued a countywide health alert due to the National Weather Service’s Eureka Office forecast of future winter storm activity.

Lake County Health Services’ Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, has activated its’ Department Operations Center in response to this severe weather event.

Additionally, the department’s Medical Health Operational Area Coordination, or MHOAC, is actively managing medical resources and coordinating a thorough response among multiple jurisdictions.

The MHOAC is available for residents and community partners at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and directly via phone at 707-263-1090.

Taking additional precautions amid cold weather events is especially important for children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs.

All Lake County public schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 27.

If you or someone you know is homebound and unable to access critical services, please call 707-262-4431 for information on available resources and emergency needs.

Shelters and other public facilities are open for those who have no access to a warm space at the following locations:

• Lower Lake Town Hall, 16195 Main St., will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Feb. 28.
• Sunrise Special Services Foundation’s warming center at 1111 Whalen Way in Lakeport will be open throughout this severe weather event. For more information, please contact the warming center directly at 707-349-5022.
• Little Red Schoolhouse at 15780 Bottle Rock Road in Cobb expects to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday. If you or someone you know is in need of transportation to this location, please call 707-715-7008.
• Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Community Room at 9470 Main St. will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, please contact Rudy Brown at 707-533-9956.
• Lucerne Alpine Senior Center at 3985 Country Club Drive. For more information, please contact Charlie Behne at 707-391-6348.

During these cold weather conditions, you can do several things to help yourself and others in our community remain safe:

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure our community is staying warm safely — never heat a home with a gas stovetop, gas oven, or barbeque as this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, never use a generator inside a home, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
• Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
• Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 9-1-1 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.
• Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
• Have a plan for back-up power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices.
• Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.
• If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

It’s also important to be aware of the following health risks due to the extreme cold:

Hypothermia

People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia.

Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation.

Late symptoms of hypothermia include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Frostbite

People exposed to extremely cold weather conditions with snow and freezing temperatures may be at risk of frostbite.

Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas.

The most common affected areas are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to death within minutes.

Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be immediately taken outside, into fresh air, and should be rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment.

Additional resources

Pacific Gas & Electric tips for preparing for power outages:
https://www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com/

Power outages map:
https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/

Lake County Department of Public Works Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lakecountydpw

Caltrans:
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php
www.quickmap.dot.ca.gov