Full Notification

Winter season in Southern California can be a season of extremes, from balmy 70 degree days to sub-freezing temperatures in our foothills and mountains. If your travels take you to our local mountains, then please take some of these useful tips for avoiding cold injuries:

- Plan Ahead – prepare yourself and your car for winter travel. Chains may be needed if driving in icy conditions. Slow down when driving on icy roads.
- Dress warmly and stay dry – layers are usually best, including mittens for the hands and a wool cap for the head. Synthetic inner layers wick moisture. Outer Gortex layers keep you dry. Bring a change of clothing to get out of any wet clothes.
- Avoid over-exerting yourself at altitude. Most people are not accustomed to the lower oxygen content at altitude, leading to difficulty catching your breath. In addition, over-exertion can lead to sweating, which can hasten cold injuries such as hypothermia (lowered body temperature).
- Eat and drink wisely – avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can both lead to dehydration and predispose to frostbite. Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks. Eating regularly can improve energy stores and heat production.
- Avoid walking on icy trails, unless you have appropriate equipment, such as crampons, ice axe and a helmet, and also know how to use your equipment.
- Be safe during recreation – sled feet first down slopes of less than 30 degrees which are clear of obstructions such as trees and end with a flat runoff; wear appropriate protective gear when snowboarding or skiing, especially a helmet; and avoid snow play near a road or highway where cars can skid into you in icy conditions.
- Pay attention to travel advisories – check road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov/roadsandtraffic.html
- Never go alone into the wilderness – However, if you must travel alone, always let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to return
- Recognize the early signs of hypothermia and frostbite -

Children and those older than 65 years old are at greater risk for developing hypothermia. Symptoms may include shivering, lethargy, clumsiness, and slurred speech. Frostbite occurs most commonly in the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Someone with frostbite may complain that his/her skin “burns” or has become numb, and skin may look pale, gray, or blistered.

Our local mountains are a wonderful resource for winter fun. Unfortunately, every year our local Mountain Search and Rescue Teams are deployed into these mountains to assist people in need. With a little common sense and adhering to the above tips, you and your family can enjoy the winter wonderland of our mountain jewels.
Written by Montrose Search and Rescue Reserve Deputy John Rodarte.

*Enjoy Nature - Plan your Hike by filling out the Sheriff's Department's HIKING PLAN SHEET:

http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf

Hiking/Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors and to get some physical activity. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You should tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. That’s why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the residents of Los Angeles County that having a hiking / camping plan is crucial to survival in case of an emergency.

Before you leave, please fill out Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan sheet and provide to a loved one to hold onto just in case something happens to a member of your hiking/camping expedition. You can download the form by visiting:

If you would like more information on how to prepare for your hiking / camping trip, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s camping website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/

The Montrose Search and Rescue Team personnel are reserve sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. There are over 150 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who were activated for over 450 search and rescue missions last year, making it one of the most active counties for search and rescue missions in the nation. Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies.

Did you know? There are over 850 LASD reserve sheriff's deputies who work patrol, jails, search and rescue, motorcycle patrol, mounted posse, investigations, and more, as team members of the second largest policing agency in the nation. http://lasdreserve.org/
The Crescenta Valley Station Reserve Coordinator is Sergeant Burton Brink (818) 236-4018

Content Contact Information:
Sergeant Burton Brink
Captain Dave Sliversparre
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Crescenta Valley Station
(818) 248-3464

www.CrescentaValley.lasd.org
E-Mail: [email protected]

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