As bitter-cold temperatures hit the area, it's important to know how to protect your home.

One of the biggest potential problems for homes in frigid temperatures is frozen pipes.

Seamus Warakomski, from Tri City Plumbing in Milford, says houses are in danger of having frozen pipes anytime the temperature drops below freezing for a few days.

"If you have a problem where your furnace goes down and you're worried about your pipes freezing, drip your faucet in your kitchen, or a faucet on each floor, so the water is always flowing," Warakomski says.

There is another simple thing to do besides letting faucets run.

"Open your cabinets under the sink," Warakomski says. "Most kitchen faucets are on an outside wall so they have a very good chance of freezing. By opening up those cabinets you're letting heat get in there."

If your pipe is frozen, Warakomski says to immediately shut off the main valve and call professional help.

It is also important to have a plumber do a maintenance check in the fall to make sure your home is ready for the cold weather.