Ten Tips for Getting Ready for Winter

Fall has arrived and it’s time to get ready for another winter. Here are some of the items you should take care of before winter’s cold to protect the unit and prevent unnecessary costs to both you and Calgary Housing Company.

OUTSIDE:

• shut off outside water at the source, usually a valve in the basement, and drain the line by leaving the outside tap turned on a bit.
• Hoses should be removed from outside taps.
• If you cannot find the shut off valve please call your Property Manager.
• Cut and trim the lawn areas one last time before snow falls, rake up any leaves and debris.
• Store toys and outside furniture in one area of the yard, you may want to cover it with a tarp to help prevent winter damage.
• Drain any water from pools or bird baths and store these items
• Remove flowers from pots and flowerbeds and store pots
• Keep outside winter toys such as sleds stored safely in your yard.

PATIO DOORS, WINDOWS and BALCONIES:

• Must be kept closed during cold temperatures to prevent plumbing fixtures from freezing and pipes bursting causing water damage to the building and/or your unit. Damage caused to the unit may be charged to you.
• Do not store materials on your balcony for the winter.
• Do not use balconies for drying clothes
• Do not hang items from your balcony

SIDEWALKS:

• Keep your sidewalks clear of snow/ice within 24 hours of each snowfall. This includes both the front City sidewalks as well as your sidewalk  and steps leading to the City walkways or common area walkways.  You are responsible to ensure ice is removed from sidewalks, walkways and steps.
• If you see a icey condition in a common walking area in your complex please report this to our office.

FURNACES:

• Furnace filters need to be changed every three months to allow the furnace to function properly and heat your home.  Please change the filter in the fall.
• Keep you thermostat set at about 20 degrees celcius in the winter for even heating.

OUTSIDE PARKPLUGS:

• Please check your vehicle plug-ins to ensure that they are working. If they are not working please call our office and request a repair.

VEHICLES/PARKING AREAS:

• All vehicles must be licensed and in running condition. Derelict or abandoned vehicles will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense.
• Most buildings limit parking to one parking stall per unit. If you have more than one vehicle the second must be parked on the street.
• Please do not use visitors parking or someone elses stall
• Keep the area around your stall free of snow and ice but do not shovel snow into someone elses stall or pile it behind or beside another vehicle.

PETS:

• If your building or housing site permits you to have a pet, please keep your pet (cat, dog, rabbit) on a leash at all times when outside your unit or enclosed yard.
• Always clean up after your pet quickly to prevent contamination and odour inside or outside the unit and yard, buildings and grounds.
• Never dump pet waste, wood shavings, pet food or other pet materials in common areas of the building or grounds. They must be bagged and disposed in the garbage bins.
• If you are not sure whether you may be allowed to have a pet in your unit, or what type of pet may be permitted, please call your Property Manager before you accept or purchase a pet.

SMOKE DETECTORS:

• Never disconnect or shut off the breaker for your smoke detector for any reason.
• Never put a bag over the smoke detector at any time.
• If your smoke detector is not working or has been disconnected please call our office to request a repair.

APARTMENT HALLWAYS:

• Please do not leave boot trays, boots, toys, etc in the hallway or outside your door.
• Please do not let children play in the hallways

HOLIDAY SAFETY:

• Christmas trees and other decorations should be kept away from any heat source including registers, vents, lamps, fireplaces, candles, etc.
• Christmas lights should be turned off when you go to bed or leave home.
• Candles must be kept away from anything flammable such as curtains, bedding, and other such furnishings.
• Poinsettias are poisonous if eaten, watch children as well as pets.
• Natural Christmas trees should be watered daily.
• Remove natural trees as soon as they become dry to the touch as they become a serious hazard.

If you do not have tenant insurance, please call your agent today to arrange for a policy to prevent your personal loss and liability in case of emergencies.  If you do not have an agent call your property manager for more information on some very inexpensive policies available for you.

Thank you for your cooperation in taking care of your unit and the property, we wish you an enjoyable winter and holiday season.

Calgary Housing Company