By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Illinois American Water is reminding home owners to safeguard their home plumbing equipment before bitterly cold temperatures hit.

Some things that can be done include recognizing the parts in your home that are most vulnerable to freezing, which includes basements, crawl spaces and unheated rooms; eliminating cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls and closing off crawl spaces; know the location of your main water shut off valve; and protecting your pipes and water meter.

Tips for protecting your pipes and what to do if your pipes freeze is located on their website at www.illinoisamwater.com.