San Rafael, CA – Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a public health alert in response to the record-setting cold weather. HHS is monitoring weather impacts and coordinating daily with local agencies to ensure resources are available.
The Division of Aging and Adult Services is contacting clients who are the most vulnerable to hypothermia in extreme cold weather, including older adults and people with disabilities. Residents are urged to check daily on elderly neighbors and relatives who live alone. For additional information on resources, residents are encouraged to call 415-457-INFO (4636) or 211 after business hours.
Safety reminders for heating your household during cold weather:
• Select a space heater with an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements, and do not place near drapes, bedding, furniture or anything else that may catch on fire.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home or fuel-burning devices such as grills, camp stoves or generators inside your home or in enclosed areas. Use of fuel-burning devices in confined spaces can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure you have a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
Marin’s Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (REST) program is available for individuals who may be without shelter.
Please visit www.marinhhs.org for more information and updates.