Community

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) on Monday urged residents throughout California to accelerate their winter weather preparedness efforts in response to a forecast by the National Weather Service for temperatures in the 20s to low 30s and possibly lower later this week.


Freeze warnings have been issued for areas in and around Sacramento and the Sacramento Valley, including Colusa and Glenn counties, and the San Francisco Bay Area, including neighboring Sonoma County, as well as Lake County.


“According to the National Weather Service, residents in much of Northern California can expect extremely cold temperatures during the next several days,” said Cal EMA Acting Secretary Mike Dayton. “As this weather tends to be the norm throughout the winter months, it is critical that Californians recognize the risks associated with freezing temperatures and take necessary steps to prepare if they have yet to do so.”


Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and other serious health problems, particularly for seniors, infants and people with chronic conditions such as asthma and other respiratory conditions. Cold temperatures also threaten pets that are left unprotected.


Cal EMA continues to closely monitor the weather and are prepared to implement Phase II of California's Contingency Plan for Extreme Cold and Freeze Emergencies if conditions warrant.


Residents of areas with expectations for freezing temperatures should be aware of the following:


  • Learn the signs of hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration and carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Review and update emergency plans, including out-of-town contact information.

  • Store plenty of drinking water, food and medications.

  • Obtain and maintain a sufficient supply of heating oil.

  • Make sure portable radios and flashlights are operable and there's an adequate supply of extra batteries.

  • Listen to the radio or watch television for the latest information on the weather as well as instructions from local officials.

  • Eat regularly.

  • Drink plenty of fluids.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

  • Regularly charge devices and have back up options available if someone is dependent on equipment needing power.

  • Teach relatives, co-workers, classmates or neighbors to operate life-safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, breathing machines, oxygen, suction or home dialysis equipment.

  • Disabled or elderly may need assistance establishing support teams of people who can assist them at home, work or school.

  • Pre-identify options (e.g., paratransit, dial-a-ride, taxi, friend, neighbor) for transport to Warming Centers If assistance with transportation is needed.

  • Protect pets from the weather. Move pets indoors or into an enclosed structure.

  • Do not use barbecues and other cooking equipment designed for outdoor use for cooking indoors.

  • Wear several layers of clothing that is loose, lightweight, warm and water repellent.

  • Weather mittens, rather than gloves.

  • Wear a hat if outdoors.

  • Stretch before going outside.

  • Move plants indoors or cover with plastic to protect them.

  • Avoid overexerting if shoveling snow or doing other outdoor activity. Overexertion is a major cause of winter deaths.

  • Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth while outdoors and avoid speaking unless it's absolutely necessary.

  • Prevent your body from losing heat by changing from wet clothing to dry clothing as frequently as possible.

  • Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including the loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, ear lobes and other extremities. Get medical attention immediately if symptoms are noted.

  • Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

  • Travel by car during the day only and ensure the car is fueled with sufficient gas.

  • Don't travel alone.

  • Let others know your schedule.

  • Stay on main roads.

 

Additional safety tips and information about state response activities are available at http://www.calema.ca.gov.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2015 in Lakeport is taking sign ups for its Christmas food gift basket program.


The post is helping veterans and the family of veterans that are in need, this coming Christmas, by providing a turkey and all the fixings for making Christmas dinner.


Post members also will help by getting presents such as winter coats, hoodies, boots or shoes, and toys for the children of the families.


This is the fourth year that the post has been able to do this program because of the help of donations though their yard sales and fundraisers.


Last year the post was able to help 60 families and this year, because of the economy, they plan on helping 80 to 100 families.


If you are a veteran in need or know a veteran who needs assistance please contact Kirk at 707-263-8449. You also can contact Nancy at 707-263-2384 at the Veterans Service Office in Lakeport at 285 N. Main St.


The post thanks everyone in Lake County who supports the post and makes it possible to help local veterans.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Service Director Caroline Chavez announced that the department's facilities will be closed for Christmas.


The Eastlake Landfill in Clearlake will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday, and the Lakeport Public Services office will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26.


The landfill will reopen Monday, Dec. 26, and the Public Services Office will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Normal landfill operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.


The Public Services office normal operational hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


If you have any questions regarding this subject or any of the solid waste issues in Lake County, call 707-262-1760.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Mendo Mill and Lumber has teamed with the United States Marine Corps Reserve to collect “Toys for Tots” for children in Lake and Mendocino counties this holiday season.


“The goal is to provide every child in our local communities with a toy for Christmas this year, regardless of their family's circumstances,” said Mike Mayfield, president of Mendo Mill and Lumber.


“With many people unemployed and others struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy, it's a real challenge for them to purchase gifts for their children, and we hope to give them a helping hand,” Mayfield said.


As an incentive to generate support for the campaign, Mendo Mill will offer a 15 percent discount on all purchases made until Dec. 20 by persons who bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation of $10 or more to any Mendo Mill store, Mayfield said.


In addition to a 15 percent instant discount on their entire purchase, customers will receive a coupon for a 15 percent discount on their next purchase at Mendo Mill.


Mendo Mill will collect the toys and cash and deliver them to the Toys for Tots organizations that serve Ukiah, Lakeport, Clearlake, Willits and Fort Bragg, the communities where Mendo Mill owns and operates home improvement stores.


Mendo Mill has consistently supported local charitable causes over the years, including a Toys for Tots drive and food bank fundraiser in 2010 and a major campaign that raised more than $168,000 for local charities in 2009.


“I have great confidence in the good will of our people and I am hopeful that together we can make this a very special and happy Christmas for every child in our local communities,” said Mayfield.


Major Bill Hendricks of the US Marine Corps Reserve started Toys for Tots in 1947.


Mayfield said the organization “has become an enduring American symbol of Christmas charitable work.”


He added, “Mendo Mill is honored to join hands with the Marine Corps to help needy children in our local communities.”

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Join local musicians and Santa Claus for an enjoyable afternoon at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. Courtesy photo.




LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The annual old-fashioned Christmas Open House at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


The park is located on Highway 53 between Lower Lake and the city of Clearlake.


Santa Claus will be there to greet children and hand out treats. Christmas songs will be performed by local entertainers with the public invited to join in.


The Christmas tree, decorated with the help of local elementary students, will be on display in the parlor of the historical ranch house at the park.


Free hot cider, coffee, and lots of cookies and other treats will be provided.


Entertainers include Dr. Harry Lyons from Yuba College, Rick McCann, Tom Nixon, Middletown’s David Neft, bluegrass musician Don Coffin, Anna McAtee, Gae Henry, Joan Moss and more.


This is a great opportunity to visit the historical ranch house at the park.


The event has been a favorite holiday tradition for many years; and is continuing this year with the help of many local volunteers. Christmas at the Ranch was started by the original members of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) and is continuing to be presented by the association.


The event is designed to welcome visitors to the house to enjoy the warm and festive atmosphere.


Christmas music is enjoyed by all and Santa waits in the parlor for youngsters to tell him of their Christmas wishes. A fire burns cheerily in the dining room where cookies, hot coffee and cider are served.


The public is warmly invited to attend this traditional, relaxed, and fun holiday event. Join the volunteers of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association for an old-fashioned Christmas open house at the ranch.


For more information, contact Roberta Lyons at 707-994-2024.

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