With winter weather approaching, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is reminding Iowans to take steps now to stay safe at home and on the road.
Officials say early preparation can prevent costly damage. Homeowners are encouraged to check insulation around windows and doors, clean gutters to avoid ice dams, and service their furnace before temperatures drop. The department also urges residents to protect plumbing by maintaining steady indoor temperatures, allowing little-used faucets to drip, and disconnecting outside hoses to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes.
As holiday cooking increases, Iowans are advised to never leave stoves or ovens unattended and to keep combustible items away from heat sources. Families are also encouraged to create an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, blankets, batteries and a shovel in case of power outages or heavy snow.
If severe weather causes damage, officials recommend contacting your insurance agent promptly and watching out for scammers posing as contractors.
The department also reminds Iowans to winterize their vehicles, prepare a roadside survival kit and stay alert for icy conditions throughout the season.
