Steps To Prepare For Frigid Weather

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Even colder, frigid air is set to arrive for the beginning of next week, and experts warn you should start preparing now.

When it comes to your vehicle, look it over to make sure that it's capable of handling the extreme weather conditions.

Experts warn to look at the battery, there are warnings signs to be on the lookout for.

"Examine the terminals to see if there is heavy corrosion and also look to see if there is any acid leaking out," Burt Young from Pine Hollow Services says.

The last thing you'll want is a flat tire, so experts suggest looking over your tires and checking the tread, and tire pressure.

"Tire pressure will probably go down 2 to 3 pounds just in this temperature dip we're having, so it's important to stay after those tire pressures," Young said.

The experts also suggest checking your wiper blades, and making sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid.

As for your home, one of the biggest concerns is your pipes.

If you have a faucet near an outside wall, plumbers say to leave a very small stream of both hot and cold water flowing overnight.

"Moving water takes a much harder time, and a longer time to freeze," Terry Metz from Terry's Plumbing says.

If the pipes run through cabinets under the sink, leave the doors open so the air can circulate.

If you have an outside water spigot, drain it.

Also make sure the inside valve is turned off.

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