Wednesday, November 29, 2006; Posted: 7:32 p.m.(CDT)

Most new homes are built with concrete foundations; however, if your home is older there is a chance you have a crawl space underneath your home.  If that's the case then there are some important things you should know about keeping the your pipes safe this winter.

Markwayne Mullin, with Mullin Plumbing, Inc., says you should make sure the vents around your home are closed during the winter.

He says you also want to make sure all your water hoses are disconnected from the faucets.

Mullin says, "What will happen is an icicle will form inside the hose, go up into the faucet and bust it."

Checking those exterior faucets can also be very important.

Mullin says, "You need to cover the faucet with a cup or spray around the edges with expandable foam.  This is so the wind won't go back inside the house and freeze the pipes."

Mullin says not to let any faucet, whether inside or outside drip, because a drip can freeze into an icicle.  An icicle can potentially burst your pipes.

He says, "You should keep a very small steady stream in your faucet."

You also want to open the cabinets under a sink and remove any items you keep there so heat can circulate around the pipes.

Your pipes are not the only thing to prepare.  You should check your vehicle, too.  Always have more than a half tank of gasoline, keep extra blankets and clothes in your car, and make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

David Barnes, with Oklahoma County Emergency Management, says, "Letting people know when you're leaving, that you're coming their direction is also important."

Bill Dockum, a manager at Target, says it appears his customers are well aware of the weather conditions heading our way.

Dockum says, "People have really been getting prepared."

In fact, the Target store he works at has practically sold out of ice scrapers, de-icing products and anything to keep people warm.

He says, "Blankets, electric blankets, people are just trying to get ready.  It's been a frenzy."

Another concern during the winter months is carbon monoxide.  It's a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.  If you plan to warm your car up in the morning you should make sure you have your garage opened partially to vent any exhaust.