The Northeast is preparing for an Arctic Blast this weekend. Here are a few tips to help you make it through unscathed:

#1: Leave cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchen open to allow pipes underneath the sinks to receive warm air. This is particularly important when the sink/plumbing is on the inside of an outside wall.

#2: Drip water from faucets – letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent pipes from bursting. A small steady drip of water helps to prevent freezing.

#3: Know where your main water switch is. If water stops working due to a freeze or burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and contact a licensed plumbing professional.

#4 Check your windows. This might seem obvious, but checking ALL the windows in your home to make sure they are closed and locked will reduce heat loss.

#5 If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut. Sometimes plumbing is routed through this unheated space, which leaves it vulnerable to extreme cold.

#6: Be prepared for a power outage. Power outages are fairly common during cold periods. This can be due to an increased demand on the power grid, ice on power lines, animals trying to find warmth by snuggling up to power transformers. Stock up on candles, matches, flashlights, extra batteries and blankets.

Stay safe and stay warm!