As winter temperatures drop below freezing – sometimes for days in a row – City officials have some tips to keep pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes and water meters can cause significant damage and repairs are costly.

A small trickle of lukewarm water can help protect pipes, as well as opening the cabinet doors below your kitchen sink to allow warm air in.

If your meter is in an unheated garage, protect it with an insulated box and keep your garage door closed as much as possible.

Officials also say to know the location of the master water shut off so that you can turn the water off in the house in the event of a broken pipe.