Rsndy you gave some very good indepth instruction on how-to and why regarding winterization projects around the home. Water damage and fires certainly play a big part with home owners. As William said in his comment you never think it can happen to you until it does happen and it is costly for repairs.
This blog is well worth a suggestion for a feature.
This is the greatest time of the year for the risk of fire. I just had it happen to me. Can only guess what the reason was that it started.