Emergency officials are prepared to set up warming centers in Broome County if conditions warrant.

According to the county, such facilities would be established in the event of a widespread power outage.

The Health Department and the Office of Emergency Services are on standby to work with the American Red Cross.

National Weather Service forecasters are predicting dangerously low wind chills over the next few days.

The lowest wind chills are expected Wednesday night. Wind chills lower than 20 degrees below zero are possible in the region.

County officials are urging people who must go outside during the extremely cold conditions to dress appropriately.

Fire safety experts advise residents not to use open flames to thaw frozen pipes. They also warn against the improper use of "alternative heat sources" because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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