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  Frigid Temperatures  

A few recommendations from the American Red Cross:

Before frigid temperatures take hold, the American Red Cross recommends locating water pipes in unheated areas and insulating them. For exposed pipes, the organization suggests installing products like a pipe sleeve or heat tape to provide protection. Newspapers may also serve as a makeshift insulation tactic in areas that aren't generally exposed to below freezing temperatures for an extended period of time, according to the Red Cross.

During cold weather, the Red Cross recommends opening cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate, letting water run through faucets connected to pipes susceptible to freezing and keeping the thermostat at the same temperature all the time.

If your pipes do freeze, the Red Cross says to keep the faucet open and apply heat until water pressure is restored. The organization suggests using an electric heating pad, electric hair dryer or a portable space heater and warns against anything with an open flame, like a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater or charcoal stove.