Massachusetts Emergency Management is urging residents to take precautions during dangerous temperatures Saturday and Sunday.
MEMA says to stay indoors if you can, but if you can’t, to dress in layers and make sure your car is equipped with cold weather gear and an emergency kit.
Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to serious health problems including frostbite and hypothermia.
The agency urges you to make sure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
When utilizing alternate heating sources MEMA says to take these safety precautions:
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven or charcoal barbecue grill.
- Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home.
If you need information on the location of open warming centers or shelters call 2-1-1.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is reminding residents to check on the well-being of elderly or disabled neighbors, and to be mindful of homeless people who may need help.
"Extremely low temperatures present challenges for our City and our residents, and we are working to monitor the situation and keep all our residents safe," said Mayor Walsh. "I ask each and every single Boston resident to stay safe and to look after their neighbors."
Pet owners are urged to bring their animals inside during extremely cold temperatures.
More coverage: "Life-threatening" wind chills possible Saturday and Sunday
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