(NECN: Scot Yount, Worcester, Mass.) -- It looks cold, doesn't it? That's because it is. Temperatures around the region have plummeted and the warning has gone out.
"It is a time when people should exercise extreme caution," said Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.
He and other officials want to make sure that people know that there are resources if they need help. The governor met with the mayor of Worcester and others to inspect the Greater Worcester Housing Connection, which has been housing up to 50 people a night.
"We are an overnight shelter of last resort for central Massachusetts," said Dave McCloskey with the Greater Worcester Housing Connection.
McCloseky oversees the shelter and worries because the people he and his staff serve are already at risk.
"Very concerned," he said. "Anybody who is putting themselves outside in temperatures like this putting themselves immediately at risk."
Worcester's mayor says emergency responders have definitely been slowed by the recent snows and tough weather conditions.
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"We want to make sure that people understand that all the resources that are out there and it is really important that the governor is here to let people know what resources are available," said Joseph O'Brien.
Like 211, which is a number people can call who might need emergency fuel assistance to keep their homes warm.
Beyond the extreme temperatures there is the wind, especially if it is coming off the water, take no chances, if you see somebody or perhaps elderly or even a young person in distress, don't hesitate to call 911.
"All of the public safety officials have been alerted to where shelter spaces are available and we will make sure that there is shelter available for anyone who needs it," said Patrick.
The governor is especially concerned with the central and western parts of the state where temperatures in Greenfield and Amherst could hit 20 below zero.
"This is time when all of us have to act like members of the community," he said. "We have to look out for each other, because of serious cold of this kind could can come risk to public safety and public health."
