The City of Milwaukee is taking precautions as the bitter cold approaches.  It's urging you to do the same.

At a news conference Monday afternoon, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said, "we want to make sure that the residents in the Milwaukee area are aware of the plans that we have taken and some recommendations that are being made by people in key city departments for health and safety purposes."

Click the video link to watch the news conference.

The mayor had a few common sense tips for people.  "Residents are advised against the use of gas powered generators or stoves or ovens as heat sources," the Mayor said.

In addition the mayor said, "I ask all citizens to use common sense and to avoid being outside for long periods of time during this cold snap."

The mayor also asked people to check in on any elderly neighbors.

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevin Baker says people should be aware of frostbite and hypothermia.  Baker says warning signs of hypothermia include, "Muscle stiffness, shivering, confusion and fumbling of the hands and drowsiness."  For frostbite, watch out for skin that gets numb and discolored.

Baker says hypothermia victims are primarily elderly or babies sleeping in cold rooms.  Although, people who work outside are obviously also at risk.

Baker says his department is working with Milwaukee Public Schools to make sure it's in constant contact about decisions that are being made.

The director of the city's Department of Public Works says DPW workers will be out until it gets to 10 degrees below zero.  Water workers are the only ones who go out when the temperature gets below that level.

DPW Director Jeff Mantes also reminded drivers that salt is less effective at such cold temperatures.  "Everybody should practice good driving skills.  Watch your speed and watch for slippery spots especially at intersections and on bridges," Mantes said.

If you need to report a watermain break, you can do that by calling 286-CITY.

In addition to watermain breaks, fires are another common problem when it gets so cold.  People using space heaters is the common cause.  Milwaukee firefighters say you should always keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible items like furniture, drapes or clothes.  Firefighters say you should also check older space heaters for frayed cords.  You should also never leave children unattended near a space heater.

Firefighters say you also need to be careful about using other things to supplement your heat.  They've seen people use stoves, generators and even charcoal grills.  All those can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Officials say just a little common sense and everyone pitching in together will go a long way through the cold.