If your pipes freeze and burst, the damage could be extensive, and the repair could be costly. If your home has exposed pipes, wrap them in heat tape. That way, when the weather gets very cold, the heat tape will warm the pipes and keep them from freezing. Even if your area does not usually have hard winters, make sure to protect your pipes just in case. You could have an unusually cold winter. Remember to insulate any pipes in your garden as well. These pipes can cause damage if they freeze, even if they are far away from your house.