i don't want to be over-libertarian here but you need to take care of your property. I, myself, have a burst water pipe in an exterior wall right now (i live in Dallas) i don't blame the power company for that. I blame only running the cold water side of my sink during the coldest nights. It was the hot water side that froze and burst.

edit: before anyone replies "but the water service failed!" then you turn off your water at the curb. and before you say "the city has to do that!" no they don't. You should have a key (from any hardware store) and know how to operate the valve.