News 12’s Lisa LaRocca was in Thunderbolt 12 checking out how the Hudson Valley is trying to stay warm during the morning commute.

Health officials are urging that anyone who has to spend any amount of time outside today to take precautions to stay safe.

Dangers such as hypothermia and frostbite are real and people need to pay attention to their bodies.

Feeling confused, slurred speech, extreme cold, and exhaustion are signs that something is wrong. Any exposed skin is vulnerable - nose, ears, fingers -that's why you need to cover up with numerous layers, hats, gloves, and scarves.

"Of course I'm turning the heat up and I've been buying a lot of under clothes and things like that, new coats, you know, boots," says Jameke Brown, of Yonkers.

Areas that are particularly troublesome include communities along the Hudson River because of the additional wind along the river.

Officials urge people to only go outside if necessary. If you are staying inside, be smart about keeping your house or apartment warm.

Opening the oven door and tuning it on is a recipe for disaster. And if you use a space heater, you must be careful with the way you use them.

If your home is too cold, give your local police department or town hall a call to find out if there are warming centers in your community. You can also go to the library or a mall.

Drivers need to be aware of black ice on roadways and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.