Prepare Your Home for an Arctic Blast

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Central Oklahomans should not expect relief from the cold temperatures any time soon.

Super charged arctic air is heading down to Oklahoma later this week, according to NEWS 9 meteorologist Matt Mahler.

Oklahoma City will see lows in the single digits as the arctic air express makes itself felt overnight Thursday through Saturday.

Currently there is a 30 percent chance of snow on Wednesday and 20 percent chance on Thursday. Accumulations are expected to be light, but it makes a cold start to 2010.

"This is going to be an extended period of below freezing temperatures," said Mahler. "We could see a lot of pipes freezing if you don't take care of them."

During cold weather, the water can freeze inside your plumbing causing pipes to expand. When that happens, they can burst leaving water damage to your home and personal belongings.

But there are some steps to take to keep that from happening.

"Let your facets drip, remove your water hoses, open your cabinet doors and everything should be fine," said Scott Prater with Mullins Plumbing.

Should your pipes burst, it's important to know where your water shut off valve is located. Getting the water turned off quickly can prevent more damage.

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