Des Moines, IA (KICD)– Thursday is Winter Weather Awareness Day in Iowa and several state and federal agencies are taking the time, as the public should, to prepare for the inevitable as colder weather approaches.

One of those agencies double checking their list is the Iowa Department of Transportation. Craig Bargfrede says the winter preparation process actually began nearly a month ago to make sure all vehicles are properly set up and the right amount of road product is on hand.

Bargfrede further asks that motorists be alert to their surroundings, especially during times of snow and ice removal, and be ready to slow down.

When it comes to travel during the winter months, motorists are also reminded to take the time to plan ahead and to pack a winter survival kit in the vehicle in the event they were to end up stranded. Road conditions are also updated approximately every two hours on 511ia.org.