If you've stepped outside your house this morning, you were sure to notice the blast of frigid air that has once again come our way. It's important to be smart and stay safe when the weather turns extreme.
Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions, so it's important to dress warmly and cover up as much as possible. Hypothermia -- a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature -- is also a danger if you are exposed to these conditions for long periods of time, particularly if you're not dressed in layers or if your clothes get wet.
Be extra careful when using supplemental heating units. Make sure that all-combustible materials such as drapes or chairs are at least three feet away from any heating unit. Avoid using flammable liquids to start fireplaces and do not leave a fireplace uattended. Most importantly, check your smoke detector to make sure it is working properly.
Most importantly, check on your neighbors and friends, especially the elderly and those with young children, to make sure they are able to cope with the extreme temperatures.
In town, the Senior Center typically also serves as a warming center/ shelter in times of need, though no official alerts have been posted to indicate the opening of any warming shelters as of today.