Cold temperatures, including freezing conditions into the teens and 20s, are forecast to last through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The cold weather has reportedly caused some state counties to declare a state of emergency already.

Schwarzenegger issued the emergency declaration based on “conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist throughout the State of California as a result of extreme low temperatures and freezing conditions beginning on January 11, 2007 and continuing.”

The governor has directed state agencies to activate “the extreme temperature protocols established last year to assist the most vulnerable populations in the state,” which include warming centers at National Guard armories in state urban areas.

In addition, the California Department of Health Services (DHS), the California Department of Social Services, and CaliforniaVolunteers have been directed to work with local public health and social services agencies to provide support to those people who have difficulty escaping the freezing temperatures, according to the declaration.

Schwarzenegger also has directed the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Department of Social Services and CaliforniaVolunteers to work with local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide fair grounds as temporary warming facilities, as requested by local governments.

The OES director, the proclamation states, is to provide supplemental financial support for local governments.

Other help state officials are poised to offer includes outreach programs by Office of Emergency Services (OES) and DHS on how the public can protect their families, homes and pets from the freezing weather; expand patrols by the California Highway Patrol; and outreach programs by the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Department of Community Services and Development to provide information to the public about home heating and energy assistance programs.

In the mean time, state officials are asking state citizens to take common sense precautions while the unseasonably cold weather persists. That includes taking care of livestock and animals, making sure homes are equipped with enough fuel for heating systems and insulating water pipes.

For more information, visit www.oes.ca.gov, or call Lake Countys' Office of Emergency Services, P.O. Box 489, 1220 Martin St., Lakeport, telephone 262-4090.

 

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

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