In essence they are raising the water temperature on the frogs in the frying pan until the frogs die.

When the temperature gets below 49, the heat tape turns on and keeps the pipes warmer.

There is no temperature minimum.

I will replace my pipes with PEX, properly insulate pipes, have the thermostat set to a certain temperature when a property is vacant, require tenants to have renters insurance, and send a reminder to keep water dripping in cold temperatures. lol is it odd that I am actually excited about working on this project instead of experiencing sleepless nights (*knocks on wood) ...

A formula cannot tell you what the temperature in your city is going to be 3 days from now; you can get a range of possible values and a likelyhood; but no 100% surety.

Turn the temperature up on the tank.

Bottom line, who would be prepared for prolonged sub-freezing temperatures in Texas, California, Florida or any other place that typically doesn't see those temperatures?

You may also want the PM to validate the temperature in the units. 

Three days without any water or electricity during freezing temperatures. 

When I asked her if she let the water drip she said she didn't know she had to let the water drip although on the news they constantly told people to let the water drip due to the temperature dropping to the 20s for 2 days and ice was on the ground.