How do you survive winter? (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids: getaway, new home, adult)

[KoryO]

Hello! I know that winter is winding down, but we are moving to the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area shortly (as in a couple of weeks). My sweetie is already there, and he wants me & the boy to come up and join him ASAP.

Here's my problem.....I am terrified of the winter weather I keep seeing on the news. I am originally from Phoenix, and now live in Florida. I've seen actual snow maybe ten times in my life (when we went up to Flagstaff to cut down a Christmas tree, and when I had to make airport connections). It doesn't help that my sweetie, who is originally from Moscow, says that the weather reminds him of Russia.



I got winter coats/mittens/hats/scarves for me and our little boy, so I think I'm set there, but I have no idea of anything else that we might need. Fortunately I didn't toss out my sweaters when I moved to FL, so I can still use them. (Yes, Phoenix does have a few days of sweater weather....)

I found out that chains on the tires are illegal, so I didn't bother to get any of them. Is there anything you do to get your car prepped for winter?

And what do you do for your home to get it ready? Do you stock up for possible blizzards like we do for hurricane season?

What do you do for your pets? We have a sweet ol' dog who's coming with us who also has zero snow experience. (I guess installing a doggy door is out of the question, right?)

I know asking some of this stuff might seem funny to a lot of the people here, but I honestly don't know what to do when confronted with that white stuff.

BTW, actually looking forward to moving there, just wish it was maybe a couple of months off.....nothing personal, simply scared of snow!

[GypsySoul22]

I suggest you read all the threads in all the 'winterish' states...we moved to Vermont in September from NY and got SLAMMED by the worst winter in 10 years. I am seriously weather depressed. However, we have 3 lovely season just out of reach so I am dreaming of that for now.

I suggest you get driver's training in the weather.

[eagetal96]

I have lived in the northern tundra ( ND & MN) for most of my life. Let me assure you that you will not need chains on your tires in Iowa. Driving can be difficult but not impossible....you will just need to slow down a bit.

[metro223]

lol! No, they actually plow the roads here, you'll be just fine. I think when you get here and get used to it, you are going to laugh at how "terrified" you are of winter, maybe this is just my opinion.

All you need to do is use common sense and dress warm, and have heat in your house. As for driving, it can be dangerous so definitely drive slow and be cautious as you get used to winter driving. No there really is no need to stock your house like you would for a hurricaine if there is a blizzard. Blizzards usually only knock out power for a couple hours tops if you live in a town/city, and same with *most* ice storms.

I assure you, it's not as scary as ya think. And keep in mind it's not winter ALL year long here like some people like to pretend. The majority of the year is tolerable weather and it's nice out. People tend to forget that during winter and it urks me.

[SharpHawkeye]

Right on. You'll be fine. And this winter probably shouldn't be taken as an example of a typical Iowa winter. It's broken our streak of mild winters, to say the least.

Sounds like you're good on clothes. You'll probably want to get some boots for you and your boy...lots of snow to walk through and wet feet are not fun! Plus they'll come in handy when all this snow melts eventually.

You should keep one of those long handled ice scrapers in your car and a blanket. You probably don't need snow tires if you live in a city...but make sure your tires aren't bald. As for your house, you probably should keep some things handy--could help in all sorts of situations.

As for your dog, that depends on what kind of dog you have. Obviously you probably don't want to keep him out when it's really really cold. Otherwise, he should be fine.

Welcome to Iowa!

[stuckduck]

KoryO,

Have to share that I will be moving to the Des Moines area in June. Currently I live in Oregon so I'm used to a lesser degree of cold. My adult children, who are not moving with me, have taken great pleasure in teasing me everytime they show the winter storm pictures from the mid-west on the evening news..."ha-ha, that will be you next year mom". If one more person comments to me how "cold and flat" Des Moines is I may scream :-)

Good to know that tire chains are illegal. I'm just picking up bits and pieces about my new home all over the place :-)

TTFN,

Dora/StuckDuck

[stuckduck]

Ok it was mentioned that tire chains are illegal in Iowa. I realize that roads are regularly plowed in Iowa but that sounded a bit fishy to me.

I checked that DMV of Iowa website and downloaded the driver's manual to verify this claim. This is what the manual (section 5) had to say:

"Iowa winters always bring ice and snow. You must be
prepared to deal with these weather forces.
For traction in snow and ice, snow tires or chains are
advisable. Extra weight in your trunk may give you added
traction if you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Studded snow
tires can be used on motor vehicles from November 1 to
April 1.
NOTE: Studded snow tires can increase stopping distances
on dry roads."

Here is the link for Iowa DMV so information can be verified.
IA Iowa dmv department of motor vehicles

TTFN,

Dora/StuckDuck

[charity1313]

I believe the reference to chains for extra traction would be when trying to get un-stuck - but I've never seen anyone drive with them on around here. (I live in the I.C./Coralville area.)

I'm new to the area too though - this is our second year here. My husband is an Iowa native. I've been told (and am hoping) that this winter has been unusually harsh. Regardless, I would recommend to you that you plan a vacation to some place warm and sunny about this time of the year if at all possible. I think the hardest part of winter isn't getting around or shovelling or anything like that - it's the mental toll. As far as driving, I just slow down and drive cautiously. You will slide around at some point - the key is not to panic. But the cabin fever - oh that is the worst!!!

[stuckduck]

Charity1313,

I didnt' get the impression that the reference to tire chains/studded snow tires in the driver's manual was only for extreme cases. Granted my idea of an extreme case may be different from a native Iowan's :-) I just would hate to have a newbie to snow/ice driving under the impression that they were illegal and therefore not even have them in their trunk should the need arise especially if they have a young child.

TTFN,

Dora/StuckDuck

[jasperhobbs]

If you live in the country with a long lane and it takes a while for snow to get plowed then I would advise a 4 wheel drive vehicle. If you live in town or near the highway then a front wheel drive car is fine, just make sure you have good tires. If the weather is that bad where my front wheel drive car can't make it then I stay home.

This winter will probably spike a lot of 4 wheel drive sales by city dwellers that might have just needed some new tires on car they had.

As far surviving Iowa winters mentally, I like having a wood stove to keep things cozy and movie channels help too

Also a winter getaway south around January helps break up winter.

Jasper.

Originally Posted by stuckduck

Charity1313,

I didnt' get the impression that the reference to tire chains/studded snow tires in the driver's manual was only for extreme cases. Granted my idea of an extreme case may be different from a native Iowan's :-) I just would hate to have a newbie to snow/ice driving under the impression that they were illegal and therefore not even have them in their trunk should the need arise especially if they have a young child.

TTFN,

Dora/StuckDuck