Bitter cold and dangerous wind chills are gripping Long Island, and if you are commuting or plan to go outside – be prepared.

Some tips on how to keep warm:

Other tips for keeping warm at home:

Experts say keeping warm is especially needed for senior family members and babies. If you are taking them out, remember their bodies have a tougher time with regulating temperature.

Nassau officials say warming centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone that needs them, as well as the 1-866-WARMBED hotline. Warming center locations include Cantiague Park, Wantagh Park, and Mitchel Field Athletic Complex.

Additionally, the MTA says LIRR waiting rooms will remain open around the clock through Wednesday.

The polar-like cold is a prelude to a possible winter storm beginning Sunday -- one that could potentially bring significant amounts of snow. "It is freezing," said Andrew Paskal of Plainview. "I don't remember it being this cold in a long, long time."

Not everyone stayed indoors on Friday, however. News 12 caught at least one person trying to get in a game of tennis. People were also visiting the Cookie Factory Outlet buying Italian ices.

"People also come in and purchase them in tubs and take them home and freeze them," said Albert Hakim, of the Cookie Outlet. "And then they have them at their convenience."