How to prepare for Oklahoma's freezing temperatures

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Get ready, Oklahoma! The first major arctic blast of the season is expected to move in this weekend. 

"We're going to be real busy,” said Jesse Hull with Hull Plumbing. 

Being busy was the case for Hull Plumbing during last year’s freezing weather. The bitter temperatures can cause your home’s pipes to freeze. 

"I think, in the height of it, we had over 90 to 120 calls in a day,” said Hull. “Broken pipes mainly.” 

An easy way to prevent this is to open your cabinet and attic doors and run your faucets. 

Hull recommends using both hot and cold water and using a stream larger than the head of a pencil. 

"More than the head of a pencil,” said Hull. “It's kind of up to you, but the more, the better.”

Another important note Hull added, is to know where your home’s main shut off valve is. 

Drivers are also going to want to prepare their vehicles. 

“Winter weather can be very dangerous,” said Shawn Steward, with AAA Oklahoma. “Cold weather is very hard on vehicles."

During January and February of last year, AAA Oklahoma Emergency Roadside Service crews assisted nearly 49,000 motorists across the state. Slick roads, battery problems and flat tires were the main reasons why. 

"3 to 5 years old, that's a typical lifespan of a car battery,” said Steward. “So if your batteries are that age or older, you definitely need to get it in to a professional and get the charge tested out." 

He also recommends having an emergency kit packed with the items below, just in case. 

• Cellular phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers; charger and extra battery
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Winter coat, hat and gloves or mittens
• Pack of hand warmers
• Bag of abrasive materials such as sand, salt or cat litter for gaining traction in snow/ice
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables or battery jump start pack
• Warning flares/lights or triangles
• Food and water for human passengers and any pets traveling along
• First aid kit
• Small tool kit and roll of duct tape
• AAA membership card or number if you need to call for roadside assistance.