The County of Sonoma is issuing a freeze warning in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction for freezing overnight lows Wednesday night through Monday morning, that could result in snow and black ice. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure.
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that causes a dangerously low body temperature and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, severe shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech or mumbling drowsiness, weak pulse, slow, shallow breathing and progressive loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
In addition, inclement weather can create a higher risk of car accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Stay off the roads if possible. If you will be using a fireplace, wood stove or kerosene heater, be sure to have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.
Additional cold weather safety tips include:
- Drive slowly and be on the lookout for hazardous travel with slick road conditions including possible ponding on roads and freeway off-ramps and minor flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
- Unsheltered community members, older adults, children and those with access and functional needs should seek shelter now as they are at higher risks of hypothermia.
- Avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
- Dress in layers, wear a hat, scarf, gloves and mittens, and waterproof, insulated boots to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.
- Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible to reduce the risk of
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water with
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and non-prescription medication if you will be staying outside as it may lead to death or serious injury.
- Seek medical attention immediately and call 9-1-1 if you see someone experiencing hypothermia.
Individuals who are unhoused are recommended to locate their nearest shelter. Winter shelters have expanded capacity on a first-come, first-served basis, with many offering wraparound services as well. The following locations are offering services and/or shelter:
- Reach For Home – located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W. Matheson in Healdsburg. Winter operation hours will be in effect until Dec. 2 with check-in beginning at 6 p.m. each night. Limited dinners are available at 5:30 p.m. Guests must check out by 7 a.m. The shelter is open to adults and families.
- Redwood Gospel Mission – located at Entertaining Angels Nomadic Shelter Program, 101 6th , Santa Rosa, will begin accepting sober individuals and families daily at 11 a.m. Beds will be made available at 5 p.m., and guests must check out by 7 a.m. Individuals must have an ID.
- West County Community Services – located at the Guerneville Veterans Building, 16255 First , Guerneville, CA 95446. Winter capacity has been expanded by eight for a total of 35 beds.
In addition to the winter shelters and year-round operating shelters, Catholic Charities will operate a drop-in shelter out of the newly opened Caritas Center located at 301 6th St., Suite 108 in Santa Rosa. The center has an indoor capacity to shelter 78 individuals and, if needed, an outdoor courtyard within the facility will be warmed by low-profile radiant heaters to host up to an additional 90 individuals. The drop-in will operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until Dec. 2.
For more information on winter shelters visit: Socoemergency.org For information on preparing for extreme cold visit: Get Ready
