In partnership with the state Emergency Management Agency, the Town of Middletown has issued the following extreme cold advisory, urging residents to ensure that children who go outside are dressed properly and that pets not acclimated to these severe low temperatures remain indoors.

Tonight's low temperature is expected to drop to 8 degrees fahrenheit while Sunday's high is forecast to get only as high as 21 degrees. The cold snap is expected to last through Monday, with a low of 6 degrees.

The Rhode Island Department of Emergency Management is urging area residents to take the following precautions:

• Dress children properly when they leave home for any period of time. Prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures is dangerous without adequate clothing.

• Those in need of a warm shelter can call the United Way at 211.

• Pets that are not acclimated to such temperatures should be brought inside.

To see the complete emergency advisory, click on the PDF flyer at right.

For the Potter League for Animals' tips on protecting pets in cold weather, click here.