Long Islanders did the best they could to cope with the bitter cold on Thursday.

Ed Ward, of Albertson, got to go back to his warm home after a quick stop at the supermarket, but many others weren't so lucky.

Members of the East Farmingdale Fire Department were out in the morning's frigid temperatures for hours, fighting a transformer fire at the HLA distribution center. Everyone who works in the building had to be evacuated.

Temperatures felt subzero at times. Dr. Fredrick Davis, of North Shore LIJ, says it's important to dress properly if you must be outside. He says don't overexert yourself and that taking in large amounts of cold air can cause serious internal damage.

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News 12 found PSEG crews trimming trees in East Norwich and bundled up state Department of Transportation workers making pothole repairs in Central Islip.

Jason Gould collects shopping carts at the King Kullen in Garden City Park. He says he was going inside to warm up every so often, but he still did his job with a smile.

Warming centers open in Nassau included Cantiague Park Ice Rink in Hicksville; Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn; Aquatic Center in East Meadow; and Grant Park in Hewlett.

Nassau also has a homeless shelter hotline. That number is 1-866-WARM-BED.

The emergency number to call in Suffolk for anyone who needs a warm place to stay is 631-854-9100.