The coldest temperatures of the season to date have been predicted for the Mahoning Valley this week and next.

Hats, coats and gloves will be necessary, if you haven’t already broken them out for the winter. But there is something else to consider with single-digit temperatures and dangerous wind-chill numbers coming our way.

When it gets that cold, the pipes in your home could freeze unless you take steps to prevent it from happening.

Aqua Ohio serves approximately 474,000 people in 20 counties across the Buckeye State, including Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana. The utility issued warnings ahead of the coming cold snap to help homeowners avoid the calamity of frozen pipes. Here are some of their tips:

TIPS TO PREPARE BEFORE THE FREEZE

Stock up on supplies: Keep pipe insulation, heat tape, a portable space heater and a hair dryer on hand.

Locate and mark your master water valve: This will allow you to quickly shut off water to your home if a pipe bursts.

Inspect outdoor meter pits: Ensure lids are intact to prevent freezing in these areas.

Winterize outdoor faucets: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, including those connected to lawn sprinkling systems.

Eliminate drafts in unheated areas: Insulate crawl spaces and basements, repair broken windows, and seal gaps to protect pipes.

PRECAUTIONS DURING

FREEZING WEATHER

Wrap pipes and meters: Use insulation materials or heat tape on your pipes and wrap indoor meters with a blanket.

Keep cabinets open: If you have interior plumbing along an exterior wall, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

Run a small stream of water: If temperatures fall below 10 degrees, leave a thin stream of water running from the faucet farthest from your meter.

WHAT TO DO IF PIPES FREEZE

Thaw safely: If you locate a frozen section of pipe, open a spigot and use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw it gradually. Never use an open flame.

Call a professional: If you cannot thaw the pipe, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Winter is difficult enough to navigate with the usual cold, snow, gray skies and potentially dangerous travel conditions. Don’t let frozen pipes add to the winter woes. Be prepared, take precautions and if your pipes do freeze, either employ the tips mentioned above or hire a professional to fix the problem.