WASHINGTON — Now is the time to protect pipes against freezing and bursting inside homes and businesses. Prince George’s County Fire/EMS has these tips after responding to more than 2,000 burst pipes during the next four days:

• For normal plumbing, consider opening cabinet doors under sinks and in other places with pipes to allow the heat to get in.
• If pipes are at risk of freezing, leaving a faucet on a slow drip can help since moving water will freeze more slowly than standing water does.
• In an attic, garage or other area exposed to outside temperatures, ensure that all pipes are completely covered by insulation.
• Consider leaving the entrance hatch or door to the attic open to allow more heat from the main part of the house to keep the pipes from freezing.
• Be sure any hose connections or other outdoor taps are fully shut off and drained.
• Double check that everyone in the family knows where the home’s master water shut off valve(s) are just in case a pipe does burst. Sprinkler systems in homes and businesses may need extra care, including insulation near outside walls.
• While concern about burst pipes is important, be sure to use safe heating practices to protect against the risk of fire from space heaters or CO poisoning.