Cheshire, Conn./WTIC Radio - The state is getting ready for an extended period of bitter cold weather.
After a reprieve on Thursday, temperatures likely won't climb above freezing for several days.
Now would be a good time to take some preventive steps to avoid pipe and heating system issues.
John Bowman with F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing and Heating in Cheshire has a couple of tips to avoid pipes freezing.
"Before bed, run the faucets and flush all the toilets. It gets the water moving. Moving water is a lot harder to freeze than still water."
He also suggests opening cabinets where pipes are located to allow warmer air to prevent frozen pipes.
In addition Bowman says keep the heat on in the home, even if you're away.
He says check to make sure heating systems are running properly to avoid carbon monoxide.
And it's also a good idea to make sure every room in the house has a co detector.