The weather has turned in the Puget Sound, and this week marks the one year anniversary of the area’s 2012 crippling snow and ice storm – another good reminder that Western Washingtonians need to be prepared now for freezing temperatures.

Take Winter By Storm, a campaign to help citizens get prepared before bad weather strikes – reminds everyone that freezing temperatures can lead to a number of overwhelming problems around the home, including causing water pipes to freeze and burst.

“A miniscule, one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can spew more than 250 gallons of water a day destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items,” said Brian Chambers, State Farm agent and Take Winter

By Storm representative. “The good news is that it only takes a few simple steps to protect your home, but it’s important to do them now and not procrastinate.”

Beat the Freeze with these Simple Steps:

• Insulate pipes that run along outside walls, floors and ceilings.

• Disconnect outside garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.

• Seal foundation cracks that let arctic air freeze pipes in crawlspaces.

• If going away for an extended period of time, maintain adequate heat inside the home (no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit), as well as shut off and drain the water system.