Sonoma County health officials issue cold weather warning

The County of Sonoma is issuing a cold weather warning in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of freezing overnight temperatures on Tuesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 25. Temperatures are expected to drop to the upper 20s and 30s for most areas. Cold temperatures will impact the homeless and those without adequate heating.

Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure. 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 and lack of coordination, slurred speech or mumbling drowsiness or very low energy, 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. Individuals experiencing homelessness are encouraged to contact local shelters that are located throughout the county. Avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day or for extended periods of time in extremely cold weather. It is encouraged to dress in layers, wear gloves, hats, waterproof or insulated boots and get out of wet clothes as soon as possible. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol if you will be staying outside .

Individuals who are unhoused are recommended to locate their nearest shelter. Sonoma County, which emphasizes permanent solutions and year-round shelter versus temporary winter shelter, has more than 900 year-round shelter beds. The county will be working with community partners to fill existing capacity at these local shelters and at alternative care sites, and to expand upon a limited motel-stay program for those who need and want shelter during this cold spell. While the Omicron surge impacted shelter operations during the last cold snap over the New Year’s Day weekend, the worst of the surge is over and the majority of shelters are operating with only limited pandemic-related restrictions.

The City of Santa Rosa and Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa also is coordinating in setting up a nighttime outdoor warming center. The warming center will begin operating tonight and will continue until Friday, Feb. 25. This is not a sleeping location, but it will be open for individuals to escape the harshest temperatures between 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The warming center will be located at 610 Wilson St. in Santa Rosa. To learn more about cold weather preparedness, including safety tips visit srcity.org/ExtremeCold.

The Redwood Gospel Mission and Reach for Home continue to operate the winter beds established during the last cold snap. The Nomadic Shelter program will also host those who are unsheltered on a first-come, first-served basis, but individuals must schedule an appointment.

In addition, Catholic Charities will continue its operation of a drop-in shelter in Santa Rosa from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m on Saturday for mail services only. During operating hours, individuals will be able to utilize telephone and mail services and have access to hot showers (except on Thursday). Individuals can also get assistance with the coordinated entry intake process. The drop-in center is located at the Homeless Service Center, 610 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, CA. 

Be sure to sign up for wireless emergency alerts at:

 www.socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up/.

For information on preparing for extreme cold visit:

https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/local-hazards/preparing-for-extreme-cold/