Public Health Reminder: Stay Safe and Prepared During Winter Season

News Release


*For Immediate Release:*

December 8, 2025

 

*Public Health Reminder:*

*Stay Safe and Prepared During Winter Season*

As we enter colder months, it’s important to plan ahead and take the proper steps to keep yourself, loved ones, and those most vulnerable safe during the winter season. When temperatures decline, being unprepared can increase the risk of hypothermia and other cold weather hazards.

“During the winter season, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep yourself, loved ones, and those most vulnerable warm, safe and healthy,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, M.D., M.P.H. “It’s also essential for people to make sure they’re staying warm safely both outside and inside. Homes should never be heated with stoves, barbecues, or ovens because it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends the following guidance to stay prepared during the winter season.

*Stay Warm to Avoid Hypothermia*


* Wear multiple, loose-fitting, layers of clothing. Include an outer layer that’s waterproof. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better.
* Always keep face, neck, and body covered.
* Wear a warm hat and keep your hands covered by wearing mittens or insulated gloves.
* Avoid outdoor activities that cause a lot of sweat.
* Stay as dry as possible, including your hands and feet. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible to avoid hypothermia.

*Prepare Your Home for Winter*


* Check your roof for leaks and clear rain gutters.
* Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
* Add insulation or use plastic window coverings to keep cold air out.
* Have your chimney/flue inspected to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
* If your apartment has no heat or hot water, contact your building manager.
* If not fixed, submit a complaint to Environmental Health by visiting bit.ly/Complaint-EH [ https://ehservices.publichealth.lacounty.gov/servlet/guest?formId=4&service=0&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] or calling 888-700-9995 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

* Have a plan in place if there is a power outage.

*Heating Your Home Safely*


* Plug space heaters *directly* into a wall outlet and never leave them unattended.
* Install working *carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors*. If your building doesn’t provide them, call *211*.
* *Never* use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home.
* If you smell gas or your CO detector sounds, open windows, go outside, and call *911*. Stay outside until the home is cleared as safe—never use flames to check for leaks.
* Homeowners needing help with heating costs may qualify for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which offers emergency heating assistance.
* csd.ca.gov/pages/liheapprogram.aspx [ http://www.csd.ca.gov/pages/liheapprogram.aspx?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]

*Winter Travel*


* Avoid driving during rain or snowstorms unless absolutely necessary.
* Stay on top of your routine car maintenance.
* Make sure your heater, defroster, brakes, battery, and emergency flashers are working properly.

* Check tire tread and keep tires properly inflated.
* Keep your gas tank at least half-full in case of emergencies.
* Create an emergency car kit.
* Visit https://bit.ly/Winter_Safety_ [ https://bit.ly/Winter_Safety_?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] for a full list of items to include while planning ahead.

* Use winter-grade windshield wiper fluid.
* Remove ice and snow from your car, especially windows to increase road visibility. Never leave people or pets inside your car while the car turned on when clearing snow from your car as your tailpipe could be blocked, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside the car.
* If ice and snow are on the road, please drive slowly and with caution.
* Before heading out, be aware of time changes to avoid being caught in the dark which will lead to decreased visibility. During the day, it's difficult to drive in poor weather conditions and becomes worse at night.
* Avoid driving after drinking or ingesting drugs (illegal or prescription).
* Alcohol and drug use significantly impairs the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
* Being under the influence leads to decreased reaction time, coordination and concentration which leads to increased risk of accidents.

*Stay Connected and Check on Those Most Vulnerable*


* Stay up to date with weather channels and local messaging.
* Check on those most vulnerable during the winter months.
* When it is cold outside, bring pets indoors and do not keep them outside without adequate shelter.
* Persons seeking shelter services to stay in a warm place can dial 2-1-1 or call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 1 (800) 548-6047. Transport services are available for those in need.

For additional information and to stay up to date: https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready [ https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]


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"*The Los Angeles County Departmen**t of Public Health* "

"The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion."

 

"Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, 
prevent disease, and promote health and well-being."

 

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