Bitter cold is coming to central Pennsylvania by the end of the week, with a polar vortex threatening temperatures unusual even for December .

Here are some steps to take to avoid disaster and keep yourself, your pets and your home safe.

Protecting your pipes

Pennsylvania American Water has offered these tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing and what to do if they freeze.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to run all the time.

Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures.

If you’re away, have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check your property.

A freeze alarm can be purchased.

Know which areas of your home, such a

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