12 Dos & Don"ts to Help You Stay Warm When It"s Really Freezing Outside

From time to time, Brooklyn gets a serious cold snap.

Here are 12 tips on how to stay warm and safe, and where to go if, despite wearing thermal underwear and your Aunt Tilly's ratty old fur coat, you're still freezing. Luckily, many Brooklynites live in close proximity to neighbors, so you can use these strategies on your own, with your family, or huddle with your neighbors and make a party out of it!

1. Do eat soup: Or,  in any event, stay hydrated and have well balanced meals.
2. Don't drink alcohol. (It's deyhdrating.)
3. Don't drink caffeinated drinks.(It's deyhdrating.)
4. Do find your blankets, warm socks, and sleeping bag before you get cold.
5. Do what you can to keep the heat in the house! Don't open the windows and doors if you don't have to. If you aren't using a room, close the door. Cover the windows with light blankets to seal out the cold.
6. Do watch the thermometer if you are over 65 or have a baby in the house: CDC says if you are over 65, check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather as older folks get cold more quickly. As for babies, keep them warm.
7. Do keep a water supply because your pipes could freeze.  Also,  do leave all water taps open so they drip a little big, continuously, to keep things flowing.
8. Do figure out where the hot water pipes are and do what you can to make sure they don't freeze, for instance, open the kitchen cabinet door under the sink.

1. Don't burn the place down or asphyxiate yourself. That is, don't use fireplaces, wood stoves or other heaters if they aren't safe and well vented. Do not burn paper in a fireplace.  Don't trust a space heater, meaning, don't  leave kids alone near it, don't put it closer than 3 feet from anything that could burn, including a piece of furniture. Don't ever use a charcoal or gas burner in the house; you can die from the fumes.
2. Do  always keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
3. Do cuddle up at night; body warmth's a wonderful thing.
4. Do not sleep in your car with the windows rolled up and heat on.

Be a good neighbor and check on those who are elderly, in need or disabled.

And, obviously, when you go outside in 9 degree weather, cover up...ears, fingers, face, neck.

(Source: CDC)

Don't be a hero: In an extreme situation, call 311.

Where to Go If You're Dangerously Cold?

That's a good question.

We have all kinds of cooling centers in Brooklyn for when sweltering summer heat drives people out of their homes. But what about places to go when your home is too cold? Don't underestimate hypothermia.

• Daytime: You can go to the Brooklyn Public Libraries,  big box stores, Brooklyn's many cafes, or read all day at Barnes & Nobles. What's Open 24/7 in Brooklyn?

• Nighttime: The first thing to do if you're stuck at night is call a neighbor with heat. Or call 311 if you are freezing and your heat is off.  When you get around to it, make a landlord complaint. Where to Complain about Your Landlord.