CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – It’s very cold out currently in western Massachusetts, overnight temperatures far below zero with wind chills you have to feel to believe. It was still too cold for any activity on Saturday morning.

This kind of cold can be hazardous. If you are one that enjoys a morning jog, even through the winter months, this is your opportunity to stay home.

“On a day like today stay indoors as much as you can. Look out for your neighbors, look out for your family,” advises Kim D’Angelo, Operations Manager at AMR.

Even with full sun on Saturday afternoon it was still far below freezing out, making any prolonged exposure dangerous, and it could lead to frostbite on unprotected skin in as little as 5 to 15 minutes.

According to research from the American College of Sports Medicine, exercising is not safe when it feels like 18-below or more, and the increased risk of cold stress sets much warmer. The risk for frostbite comes around 18 degrees below, but prolonged exposure can even cause it at warmer temperatures.

“Frostbite can look waxy, you skin is very hard feeling. A lot of shivering, dizzyness or signs of confusion, or if someone seems extra sleepy. Call 911 right away and get them somewhere warm,” added D’Angelo.

If you suspect you have frostbite it is important to re-warm the area gradually and gently. Numbness can lead to burns if you heat too quickly, and pressure or rubbing can break the brittle, frostbitten skin. Try immersing the affected area in warm, not hot, water.

As temperatures rise through Sunday it’s actually going to feel quite comfortable to be outdoors compared to Friday and Saturday. Public safety officials are warning everyone though to stay off the ice around western Mass. It was bitterly cold, but not cold long enough to make for safe conditions.

It can take up to 14 days of temperatures below 25 degrees to create a safe layer of ice and that varies massively depending on the body of water. After shorter freezing events like this one it’s likely that water beneath the thin layer of ice is still moving creating an especially dangerous situation if you were to fall through. If you see someone in trouble call 911 and leave the rescue to professionals.

Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris told 22News, “One of the concerns is if one person goes through, we don’t want additional people going out on the ice for a rescue.”

Remember the same goes for your pets. Yes, the dog needs a walk, but keep it short and watch their paws.

As for staying warm inside, trust your typical heating methods, and keep space heaters away from flammable materials.