Tips to keep your home protected in cold temperatures

CHEVY CHASE, Md. - Frigid cold temperatures often lead to pipe bursts and water main breaks just like the ones we've seen in the D.C. region over the last few days.

Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service, spoke with FOX 5's Bob Barnard with some tips residents can use to guard their homes in the cold.

COLD WEATHER TIPS:

-Turn off water to outside faucets

-Allow trickle of water flow to help decrease chance of pipes freezing

-Properly maintain fireplaces inside home. Keep ashes outside away from home

-DO NOT use stove to heat home. Keep all combustibles clear of open flames

-DO NOT use generators indoors