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Gov. Patrick Offers Tips To Stay Safe In Bitter Cold

WORCESTER (CBS) - Gov. Deval Patrick visited a homeless shelter in Worcester on Sunday and offered tips to all state residents on how to stay safe in the bitter cold weather.

Gov. Patrick is advising residents to check in on their elderly neighbors and relatives during this cold spell. Also, he wants residents to make sure they have enough fuel to heat their own home.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports.

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"For those who need fuel assistance or help of that kind, they can call 211," said Gov. Patrick.

Patrick said he knows many people use space heaters in the bitter cold.

"Care should be taken with space heaters, not to leave them unattended, to make sure you don't use them close to things that may catch fire," said Gov. Patrick.

Reminder from Boston Public Schools for parents and students:

  • Dress in layers.
  • Cover all exposed skin when outdoors.
  • Bring an extra pair of socks to school in the event socks get wet from snow.
  • Wear a warm coat, hat (that covers ears—most body heat is lost through the head), gloves/mittens and scarf to school.
  • Arrive at school bus stop no more than 10 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.

Worcester Mayor Joe O'Brien is urging city residents to be patient with EMS, fire, and police responders.

"They face many calls on these kind of days. Recognize we want to prioritize those calls for people really at risk. We also have an emergency triage center that's open 24 hours, which works to make sure people have a safe place to go," said Mayor O'Brien.

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