What should residents do if they cannot safely heat their homes during the winter storm?

Residents who cannot safely heat their homes due to electrical damage or power outages are strongly urged to take immediate action as temperatures are expected to drop dangerously low. The emergency management official advises several options: stay with friends or family, visit one of the community shelters being opened, or seek other warm accommodation before afternoon. With the death toll already at 14 and record-breaking wind chills as low as -60°F predicted, this is a life-threatening situation. The official emphasizes the urgency with the statement, "Let's just make sure that we don't lose anybody else to these cold temperatures," highlighting that community support and proper shelter are critical safety measures during this severe winter emergency.