Horseheads, NY (WENY)-- With high temperatures expected to remain below the freezing mark, pipes becoming frozen or even bursting can become a huge issue.

Max Bernhard, a sales associate at the Horseheads Do-It Center, says there are some preventative measures that you can take to prevent freezing pipes.

"The ways to prevent that is either insulate them by using some sort of insulation foam around the pipe, or even electric heat tape, which slightly heats the pipe up enough to prevent the pipes from freezing." He says.

Even with these measures in place, it is still possible to have your pipes freeze. And when the pipes freeze, the risk of them bursting and flooding your home increases as well. Bernhard says that if you do experience a pipe burst, make sure you act quickly to prevent more damage to your house.

"The best thing to do is to make sure you get your water main shut off so you can alleviate further damage," Bernhard says, "Then determine what size pipe you have, whether it be 3/4" or 1/2" pipe."

Bernhard says that if you take preventative measures in the spring and summer, it will greatly reduce the risk of freezing pipes when winter and the colder temperatures arrive.

But if you want to protect your pipes now, there are a few measures you can take.

"If you haven't already, there are ways you can do that right now." Bernhard explained. "Split foam insulation, that goes over the pipe, the heat tape that just tapes up to the pipe and runs to an electrical current, and small heaters just to keep the temperatures above freezing."

Bernhard says that if you do plan to use a heater to prevent your pipes from heating, never use propane or kerosene inside, as that puts you and everyone in your house at risk for increased risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.