With lows forecast into the single digits this weekend and arctic blasts prepared to bring on the shivers, town officials and professionals are cautioning residents to get ready and stay safe.

Marion public health nurse Kathy Downey says it may be obvious but make sure to bundle up before going outside.

With wind chills in the negative numbers, extended time outside could prove dangerous.

While people may be more prepared when they go outside, they may not think about their wellbeing as much when they're inside.

“I think one of the things that we underestimate is being hydrated,” said Downey. “It’s the last thing everyone’s thinking about. This is the kind of air that’s really, really dry.”

Downey said people can become dehydrated and hydration is key – think water not brandy.

“Alcohol doesn’t help,” said the nurse. “It makes the problem worse.”

The dryness can affect pets as well.

Dr. Rachel Francis of Marion Animal Hospital says it's important to make sure animals have plenty of water, and they may develop a cough or raspy breathing if dehydrated. If they aren't drinking enough, she suggests adding water to their food.

When they do go outside, it should be for as short a time as possible.

"If it’s zero degrees out and they fall down somewhere, it’s only a few minutes before they’re going to get ear tip damage, their feet," said Francis, who checks her own pets' ears whenever they come back inside.

Francis says what a pet can handle depends on the type of animal and how used to the cold it is.

"Little bug eyed dogs, their faces are exposed," she said. Against the wind, "They don’t have as much forgiveness."

Residents need to be preparation before the weather gets rough, says Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andy Murray. He recommends making sure cell phones are charged in case of an emergency and that everyone have working flashlights, food and drinking water. Get homes ready as well.

"You want to make sure you know where all your electricity, gas and water shutoffs are to your house," said Murray. "If you have a pipe freeze, you want to make sure you can shut your water off in a reasonable amount of time."

He also said ice dams have been known to slide off of roofs and damage gas pipes, so residents should have numbers for utilities companies and town officials on hand.

Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony said it's important to make sure your heating system is in good working order.

“The key is to make sure your furnace is working properly before the severe cold comes,” said Jackvony.

He cautions homeowners whose systems have a direct vent to make sure it is clear of snow and other debris that could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide inside.

And if a heater fails, don’t use an alternate heating source, says the chief. A stove or oven is not a proper heater and could produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It’s also dangerous to light up the fireplace if it hasn’t been used or inspected for a while. Structural issues and/or obstructions could lead to a smoky situation at best.

Residents should be careful to have enough ventilation if using generators as well. Make sure they are not releasing carbon monoxide into a home.

Of course, every home should have a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector (it’s not too cold to go get batteries for those!)

Beyond heat, frozen pipes are always a potential problem when the temperature plummets. If that happens, don’t go all DIY on them.

“We have had fires that are started from people warming pipes with a torch,” said Jackvony. “We don’t recommend you do that.”

Chief Murray has also witnessed several catastrophes from the blow torch method.

"We had a guy burn up the side of his house because he was using a torch to melt the ice," he said.

Someone else burned their deck while trying to melt the ice on it. A much safer option? Use salt for ice outside, recommended Murray, and a hair dryer to warm up pipes, if necessary. Avoid open flames at all costs, and better yet, call a professional.

Above all when the weather outside is frightful, it’s time to be neighborly.

“As a community we do need to be paying attention to our neighbors,” said Downey.

Chief Jackvony said it’s especially important to check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors.

If the whipping wind leads to isolated power outages, residents are encouraged to snuggle up with local relatives or friends who have power. In the event of a major power outage, local warming shelters will open. Designated shelters are at Sippican School in Marion, Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett and the Senior Center in Rochester. Call local police offices to see if they are open.

Although people should be cautious, Rochester Emergency Management Director Paul Ciaburri said he doesn't foresee any major issues in his neck of the woods.

"For the most part, when it gets cold like this most people hunker down and it’s not a big deal."

Read more safety tips below.