Local and state officials are warning residents to stay warm and safe as temperatures dip to dangerous levels, especially those most vulnerable.

Officials say it is important that everyone knows where to go if they do not have heat.

Several communities, including Bridgeport and Stamford, have opened warming centers.

Officials tell News 12 Connecticut that the Government Center in Stamford, as well as all city fire stations, are open during the bitter blast of cold temperatures.

Stamford Mayor David Martin is urging people to take the weather seriously and get to some place warm.

"If you don't have any transportation, stop any patrol car if it's late at night, call 911 if you don't know what to do. This level of cold, if someone is unprotected, is an emergency," says Mayor Martin.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling says Norwalk Public Libraries and City Hall can be used as warming centers during daytime hours.

The Norwalk Police Department's community room will also be available as a warming center at all times.

Gov. Dannel Malloy says he has activated the state's severe cold weather protocol. He says anyone is need of shelter should call 211 to find nearby locations.