How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Before Winter:

Patch cracks and holes near pipes.
Insulate pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces.
Check insulation. Wet insulation freezes and is worse than no insulation.
Make sure heat can circulate around pipes. Plumbing in an enclosed area such as a closet will freeze.
Pay attention to basement piping. Older furnaces lose enough heat to warm basements, newer energy efficient furnaces do not.
Consider UL Approved heat tape
Find and tag your water shut off valve and make sure it works before an emergency crisis. This will limit water damage should inside pipes burst.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

Do not use an open flame for thawing pipes. You risk overheating a pipe and causing it to burst or set the house on fire.