Ahead of bitter temps, city provides cold weather safety tips

With temperatures expected to dip to “dangerous lows” Thursday night, city officials are warning people to follow cold weather tips.

Temperatures will head into the teens in Boston Thursday night, with wind chills making it feel a bitter 16 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service. On top of low temps of 3 degrees, the wind chill can cause frostbite to occur within 30 minutes.

“We want to make make sure each and every Boston resident will be safe and warm when bitterly cold weather arrives this week,”Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. “In times like these, it’s vital for residents to look out for one another, and I encourage all Bostonians to reach out to the city if they or their neighbors need help this winter season. City workers will be constantly vigilant to ensure the safety of all.”

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston,call the city’s hotline at 311, or visit boston.gov/cold for cold-weather and emergency alerts.

City officials advice residents to wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than just one layer of a heavy piece; always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarfto protect your lungs; and to limit an infant’s outdoor exposure when it’s below 40 degrees.

Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and extremities turning white or pale. The city advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to get medical help immediately.

Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Officials also ask that residents call 911 if they see a homeless person out in the cold who appears immobile, disoriented or underdressed. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept anyone in need.Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave.

For more tips on how to keep your home same in the cold, likeif you lose power or heat, visit boston.gov/cold.