It is bitterly cold outside. Sub-zero temperatures are exposing tri-state residents to frigid weather and the associated risks. Frozen pipes are one of them. Homeowners are responsible for protecting theirs, along with the meters. New York City officials explain how to prevent your pipes from bursting. How to avoid frozen pipes and meters Repair broken and cracked windows, doors, and walls Install storm windows on basement windows Tightly close doors and windows to the outside Insulate outside walls Eliminate drafts from crawl spaces Turn off the water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain the pipes Ask your local plumbing supplier about materials to insulate pipes and meters Take extra care to ensure your meter is insulated if it is installed in an unheated garage Insulate the wall and open cabinets if pipes or meters are in a closed cabinet against an outside wall to allow warmer air to reach them Arrange to have someone turn on a faucet periodically if you are going to be out of town during cold weather. What to do if your pipes freeze Open a faucet near the frozen point to release vapor from melting ice Direct a hair dryer or heat lamp at the frozen section, or put a small space heater nearby; and, NEVER thaw a frozen pipe or meter with an open flame. This is not only a fire hazard, but could also cause a steam explosion.