DUBUQUE, Iowa — November 13, 2026 — Winter in the tri-state area can turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation in a hurry. A slide into the ditch, a stalled car on a rural road, or a whiteout on Highway 20 can leave you waiting for help in freezing temperatures. The time to get ready is now — before the first big storm, not during it.

Make sure you have these things in your vehicle. It could save your life if you become stranded:

• Full tank of gas — don’t let it drop below half a tank in winter; a full tank also keeps the fuel line from freezing.
• Water and snacks — enough for everyone in the car, including kids and pets.
• Ice scraper and snow brush — clear every window, not just the windshield.
• Warm clothing, boots, and gloves — a blanket or sleeping bag too, in case you have to wait.
• First aid kit, including any necessary medication — prescriptions you take daily should ride along.
• Music and games — to keep the kids entertained while you wait.
• Flashlight — with fresh batteries, and spares.
• Jumper cables — cold weather is hardest on batteries.
• Phone with the 511 app and a phone charger — Iowa 511 is the Iowa DOT’s official app for road conditions on interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways, with plow locations and cameras. Check it before you leave, not after you’re stuck.

If you do get stranded

Stay with your vehicle — it is your shelter, and it is much easier for rescuers to find than a person on foot. Call 911 if you have an emergency. Run the engine for about 10 to 15 minutes each hour for heat, and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow first so carbon monoxide cannot back up into the car. Tie a bright cloth to the antenna or door handle so your car is easy to spot.

And at home: when the power goes out, the furnace goes out too

Most people don’t realize it until it happens: even a gas furnace needs electricity. The blower, the igniter, and the thermostat all run on power, so when the lights go out, the heat goes out with them — no matter what kind of furnace you have. Here’s what to do:

Stay warm in one room. Close the doors to rooms you aren’t using, stuff towels under door gaps, and gather everyone — and pets — in one room. Layer clothing, wear a hat and gloves indoors, and use blankets or sleeping bags. Body heat and one small room go a long way.

Protect your pipes. Let faucets drip a little, and open the cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes. Know where your main water shutoff is before you need it. If a pipe does freeze, never thaw it with an open flame.

Never heat your home with a gas oven, a grill, or a generator indoors. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and it kills. Keep generators outside, well away from the house, and never run one in a garage — even with the door open. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries.

Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Food in the refrigerator stays cold for about four hours if you don’t open the door. A full freezer holds for about 24 to 48 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.

Report the outage — but not to 911. In Dubuque, most homes are served by Alliant Energy: report an outage at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268), on the Alliant app, or at alliantenergy.com/outages. Some rural homes are on Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (1-800-927-6068 during business hours, 1-800-582-8998 after hours). Do not call 911 to report an outage — save that line for emergencies, like a downed power line.

When the power comes back. Your furnace may need to be reset before it restarts — check the manual or the reset button. If it won’t start, or if you smell gas, call a professional. Check for frozen or burst pipes, and check on neighbors, especially older folks or anyone who depends on powered medical equipment.

Winter will come to Dubuque whether we’re ready or not. A kit in the trunk and a plan at home cost very little — and on the worst night of the year, they are worth everything.