One of the most common and most expensive claims we handle every year is Freeze ups. It's common for us Alaskan's to travel during the dark and cold months, however this is when these horrible claims occur. The best prevention is to have a house sitter. Another option is to install Freeze/Water Alarms in your home. There are many to choose from. Also if you have an alarm system on your home, it may be a simple upgrade with little to no added cost. Here are some we found on a Google search
HomeSitter Freeze and Water Alarm
Temperature@lert USB Standard 3.5
Control Products Temperature Alarm Dialer