Potentially life threatening wind and cold are expected this weekend in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Wind Chill Watches have been issued for those states from Friday night through Sunday afternoon, with Wind Chill Advisories also issued for parts of Maine and New Hampshire.
Below-freezing wind chills are forecast from Saturday through Monday, with a low of 4 below zero in Boston on Saturday and 2 below zero on Sunday. Some areas will see wind chill values of 25 to 45 below zero at times.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is urging residents to check on the well-being of elderly or disabled neighbors, and to be mindful of homeless individuals who may need assistance.
"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," Walsh said in a statement. "I ask each and every single Boston resident to stay safe and to look after their neighbors."
MORE COLD WEATHER TIPS:
Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite
Dress for the Weather:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
- Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Wear mittens over gloves, layering works for your hands as well.
- Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
- Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
- Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watch for signs of frostbite:
- These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
- If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia:
- These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.
- If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911.
Heating Safety
- Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater as these can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. Using faulty or improper heating sources is the number two cause of home fires in Massachusetts.
- Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned, such as near oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is a poison and is deadly.
Heat Guidelines for Property Owners and Tenants
- In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on Sept. 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
- In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensuring the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.
- If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional Services Department at 617-635-5300 to file a complaint, or call 311.
