Colder weather increases the chance that

 your water pipes might freeze, especially if

 you have the gas service disconnected at a

 vacation home over the winter. Here are

 some tips to help you avoid or deal with the

problem:

 For normal precautions:

 • Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape,

 newspapers or rags.

 • Place a 60-watt light bulb close to the

 water meter to keep it from freezing.

 • If pipes are close to an exposed outside

 wall, open the cabinet door to let room

 heat in.

 • Use a hair dryer or turn up the heat in your

 home to 75 degrees to thaw a pipe; do not

 use a torch.

 • If a pipe bursts, shut off the main valve,

 usually located near the meter.

 • Be aware that leaks sometimes don’t show

 up until a pipe thaws, when they can

 cause extensive damage to plaster walls.

 If you’ll be away for the winter:

 • Drain pipes completely.

 • Pour a cup of antifreeze into the draintraps,

 toilet bowls and tanks.

 • Make sure the main shut-off valve is

 turned off.

 • Open all faucets.

 • Drain the hot water tank.

Winter brings out two distinct types of drivers. One

driver treats the ice and snow with gentleness, and

the other doesn’t distinguish between winter and

summer driving. There really is no trick to being a

good winter driver if you and your car are prepared.

• Make sure your car is ready for winter by having

the engine tuned and proper tires mounted before

snow arrives;

• Even a well-maintained car can break down under

severe driving conditions, so carry emergency

equipment in your vehicle, including a snow shovel,

battery jumper cables, bag of sand or traction pads,

a towing cable, flares, a complete set of warm

clothing and boots, and blankets and candles to

keep you warm if the engine will not start;

•  To get your vehicle moving if it is stuck in snow or

on ice, rock it back and forth gently;

• Ice forms first and melts last on bridges and overpasses,

 where cold air gets underneath, causing

the temperature to drop faster than anywhere else;

• Clean all the windows of your vehicle before

 starting a trip;

 • Keep your car’s windshield washer fluid tank full.

 Winter slush can temporarily blind you, especially

 when you are following other vehicles.