Iowa homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Iowa's hard freezes can burst pipes. Know the shutoff before any forecast below 10°F.

Gas shutoff and utility contacts

MidAmerican Energy serves much of Iowa. Alliant Energy (IPL) serves eastern regions. MidAmerican emergency: 1-800-595-5325. Alliant: 1-800-255-4268. Know your utility and meter shutoff location.

Basement shelter location

Iowa has significant tornado risk; most Iowa homes have basements. Know your shelter room in the basement. If your home lacks a basement, identify the nearest community shelter.

Sump pump check

Iowa's spring flooding and heavy rainfall make sump pump reliability critical. Test monthly by pouring water into the pit. Battery backup is essential before spring.

HVAC maintenance

Iowa's extreme temperature range requires year-round HVAC attention. Service in spring and fall. Replace filters monthly during peak heating and cooling seasons.

Derecho and tornado awareness

The August 2020 Iowa derecho produced 100+ mph winds across the state, caused $11 billion in damage, and destroyed millions of acres of crops. Derechos look like a wall of cloud moving rapidly; they strike with little warning and produce straight-line winds as damaging as EF2 tornadoes. Have a NOAA weather radio.

Iowa River and Missouri River flooding

Iowa's river systems flood most years during spring snowmelt. The 2008 Iowa City flooding was catastrophic. Know your flood zone, verify sump pump operation, and have flood barriers ready if applicable.

Iowa blizzard prep

Iowa blizzards arrive October through April. Stock 7 days of supplies. Service the heating system. Insulate exposed pipes. Iowa's central location means blizzards can arrive with 24-48 hours notice.

All 99 Iowa counties are in EPA Zone 1

EPA Zone 1 is the highest radon potential. The Iowa HHS radon page says it is important for everyone to test their home. Test immediately. Mitigate if above 4 pCi/L.

River valley homes need flood coverage

Iowa River, Cedar River, Des Moines River, and Missouri River communities experience flooding most years. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. NFIP or private flood insurance is essential.

Tornado: shelter immediately

Iowa tornadoes peak April to June. Basement, interior room, lowest floor. NOAA weather radio.

Derecho: shelter is the same as tornado

When a severe thunderstorm warning includes 'particularly dangerous situation' language or a sign-post of a derecho (line of storms moving 50+ mph) is in the forecast: take shelter in the basement or lowest interior room immediately. Treat derecho warnings exactly like tornado warnings.

Shelter immediately

Warning = basement now. Lowest interior room, away from windows. Iowa has produced EF4 and EF5 tornadoes. Wait for NWS Des Moines or NWS Quad Cities all-clear.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Iowa plumber wait times after cold events: 48-72 hours.

Spring flood and storm sewer backup

Do not enter flooded basement if electrical equipment is submerged. Call MidAmerican (1-800-595-5325) or Alliant (1-800-255-4268) to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Iowa derecho and blizzard outages

The 2020 derecho caused 400,000+ customers to lose power. MidAmerican: 1-800-595-5325. Alliant Energy: 1-800-255-4268. Generator outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. MidAmerican Energy: 1-800-595-5325. Alliant Energy: 1-800-255-4268. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, coat accessible in winter, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never go back inside.