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How to prepare for extreme cold in Oklahoma? 5 steps to take before Tuesday's winter storm


How to prepare for extreme cold in Oklahoma? 5 steps to take before Tuesday's winter storm

Cold temperatures can be a pain in the morning if you haven't properly prepared your home, car or space for winter weather.

With near-record lows coming to Oklahoma this week, here are some things to do before you go to bed tonight to ensure you and your family have an easier morning.

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The City of Oklahoma City typically salts the roads before a major ice or snow event to make them easier to clear. Yet, they will not salt your driveway or your parking spot.

Placing rock salt before nightfall could save you lots of time shoveling your car out of the ice by preventing ice from even forming. Similarly, placing it outside your door prevents your first step outside from being on complete ice.

Purchasing rock salt may be difficult due to snow events, but checking the local Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot and similar warehouse stores could yield positive results.

Pipes to sinks, showers, pools and outdoor water hoses freeze due to long exposure to cold temperatures. Though your sink may not be running constantly, the dispensing pipe always has water ready to be used.

Because water expands when it freezes, all containers, even those held in metal, are at risk of cracking or bursting.

Preventing additional cold temperatures, or adding warmer temperatures, is the primary way to prevent these exposed pipes from freezing. You can do this by:

You may get the urge to rush inside after a drive home from the grocery store or work, and while that's understandable, there may be some things you're leaving in your car that don't need to be left inside.

This can include glasses, eggs, your children and more.

Read more: Don't leave these things inside your car during the cold.

We never want to assume the worst is going to happen, but being prepared in the event it does can protect you from making snap decisions.

Safety plans can include an emergency kit with water and battery chargers, nonperishable foods, first aid kits, medicine and more.

But if you don't have an emergency kit, discuss with your household what to do in case of an emergency and communicate with someone outside of your household to ensure multiple sources in case something happens inside your home.

If you have a small dog or are an anxious parent who is scared to let your pet run out for a bathroom break, consider buying puppy pads to prevent them from making a quick run outside -- and sometimes protect you as well.

Puppy pads are naturally absorbent and shouldn't leave a mess underneath them.

They can typically be purchased at Walmart, Target and other pet supplies stores.

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