The Office of Emergency Management issued a Code Blue alert for New York City Friday due to the freezing temperatures, but many New Yorkers who work outside still had jobs to do.

Officials encouraged anyone in need of refuge from the bitter cold to seek shelter at warming centers around the city.

As the temperatures drop, the city is offering some tips to help residents stay safe and warm. Officials urge residents to wear a hat, hood or scarf. They also advise residents to wear layers and keep fingertips, earlobes and noses covered.

It is also important to check in on neighbors, especially those who are at increased risk of getting sick. 

Experts say New Yorkers should watch out for signs of hypothermia -- an abnormally low body temperature. They include shivering, slurred speech and confusion or unusual behavior. Redness or pain in fingers or toes may mean frostbite.

Forecasts show temperatures below freezing for the rest of Friday, but some warming over the weekend. There is also a chance of snow Saturday morning that will turn to rain as the day warms up.