It’s no secret that much of the midwest is under a winter weather advisory with record low temperatures making their way through Iowa. In preparation for the extremely cold temperatures this week, we’ve rounded up our top tips on how to prepare for extreme winter weather.
General Cold Safety Tips
- Minimize travel.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family and help them make any preparations they may need.
- Don’t forget winter accessories! Use your scarf to cover your face and wear mittens instead of gloves.
- Wear multiple layers (three or four) if you must go outside.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel, including extra sleeping bags and warm blankets for everyone traveling with you.
Home Preparation Tips
- Keep garage doors closed.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes – this can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Set your thermostat 2 – 3 degrees higher than normal and set it to hold. Don’t turn your thermostat down at night.
- Consider using a space heater to a room where pipes might be at risk of freezing.
- Change your furnace filter to ensure your home heats up properly.
- Clear a path to your main water shut off in the event of a plumbing emergency.
Pet Safety Tips
- Bring all pets indoors.
- Puppies, small dogs, and older dogs have a lower tolerance for cold temperatures, so only let them outside to relieve themselves.
- Towel dry your dog’s paws, legs, and stomach when they come inside. Make sure they don’t have any snow or ice encrusted on their paws.
- Keep animals on a leash when letting them outdoors. The cold weather and blowing snow can disorient your pet and they can get lost outside if off leash.
- Before starting your car, double check for any outdoor stray cats. Knocking or banging loudly on your hood before starting your car may give cats a chance to escape.
For more on how you can prepare for extreme winter weather, see our Winter Home Checklist. The Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS® office will be closed Wednesday, January 30th due to the low temperatures. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, staying in their vehicles or need shelter for any reason, please direct them to either Shelter House location or call 319-351-0326.
