GREENFIELD —Baby, it’s cold outside, and it’s only going to get worse overnight.
By midnight, the temperature will be down to just 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’ll be around 1 degree Fahrenheit when residents wake up Friday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory, warning that gusts could push temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees.
Wind chill values below minus 20 can cause frostbite with half an hour, the advisory warns. Outdoor exposure should be limited, and dress in layers if you plan to go out, it read.
That’s paired with a high wind advisory and a special statement cautioning that dangerous snow squalls could pop up without warning.
“Scattered snow showers are expected into this evening along and ahead of an Arctic cold front,” the statement read. “In addition, a few localized heavy snow squalls may result in brief whiteout conditions along with roads quickly becoming snow covered and slippery. Motorists traveling through the evening hours should be prepared for localized heavy snow squalls, resulting in briefly near zero visibility along with roads quickly becoming snow covered.”
The wind was already taking its toll across Franklin County on Thursday afternoon, with trees being brought down on wires in Whately Leverett and New Salem, according to the first responder website Fireground 360.
And because of the cold, Deerfield’s Town Hall will be open to residents overnight.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has also issued an advisory with tips on how to stay safe:
Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Have a well-stocked home emergency kit that includes a flashlight, sleeping bag or blanket, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food. Add seasonal supplies to your emergency kit such as extra winter clothing and blankets.
Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, a can, waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope, and jumper cables in the trunk.
Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance.
Limit outdoor time for your pets. Freezing temperatures are dangerous to animals as well as humans.
Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered with plastic to keep them from freezing. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hair dryer, used with caution, works well to thaw pipes.
Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take necessary 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. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Make sure you test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately, get the victim to fresh air, and open windows.
Recorder reporter Andy Castillo contributed to this report.
You can reach Tom Relihan at: 413-772-0261, ext. 264 or trelihan@recorder.com On Twitter, @RecorderTom