KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A period of dangerously cold weather is forecast for the region, with temperatures expected to dip below zero, prompting a reminder from local officials for residents to take extra precautions to stay safe.

Community members are encouraged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers of loose, warm clothing, and wear hats and mittens to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Officials also stress the importance of heating homes safely by keeping space heaters at least three feet from flammable materials and never using ovens or stovetops as a heat source. To prevent frozen pipes, residents are advised to allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold.

In response to the frigid conditions, the City has partnered with the UCC Church on Central Square and Hundred Nights to provide a temporary winter warming shelter for unhoused residents. The shelter is located at the UCC Church in Keene and is open nightly through the end of March. Intake is available from 9-10 p.m., and guests may stay until 7 a.m.

Additional winter preparedness and safety information is available at Ready.gov/winter-ready and on the City’s emergency preparedness webpage.