The Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, MLA, has issued an appeal to the public to follow the advice highlighted in NI Water's 'Winter Proof' Campaign.

In particular, property owners are asked to do the two step pipe check; simply check your pipes are protected and if not, take steps to insulate them.

The Minister said: "It is extremely important everyone takes action to protect their properties as the temperatures continue to drop. No one wants to spend the Christmas holiday dealing with the effects of a burst pipe in their home or business.

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"One burst can cause enough devastation to put a family out of their home for months or close a business during what could be their busiest time of the year. This type of heartache can easily be avoided if some simple steps are taken now."

NI Water's top tips for avoiding frozen pipes include:

•Insulate water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like lofts, garages and outbuildings

•Fix dripping taps – a gentle trickle of water can freeze and completely block the pipe

•Know where your stop valve is in the case of an emergency - it is normally situated under the kitchen sink

•Keep your boiler well serviced to ensure your house is heated

•If you are away from home during the winter period, open the trap door into the roof space to allow some of the warm air to circulate

•Leave a key with someone who can check the house regularly if you are going away

•DO NOT run your tap to avoid a frozen pipe; a running tap can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per day

•Write down the contact details of a registered plumber in case a pipe does burst. Make sure they know where you live and will attend at night if necessary.

(CD/GK)