The chances are probably better than even that if you asked just about anybody in the city these days if it’s cold enough for them you might catch a punch in the nose. So don’t risk it.

The record breaking low temperatures aren’t really a laughing matter, so please take the official warnings and tips seriously in order to stay safe and healthy.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has some useful tips that we should all pay close attention to. Here are a few:

Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a wood stove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to prevent them from freezing. Let a trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes. If your pipes freeze, open all faucets all the way, remove any insulation, and heat the frozen pipe with a hair dryer or wrap with towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need extra help.

More useful tips are available at http://mass.gov/mema/cold. Let’s watch out for ourselves and each other.