Properly preparing your apartment for winter temperatures is crucial to ensure the comfort and safety of your household. As a resident, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your home. Here are some simple ways to prepare you and your apartment for freezing temperatures!

Ten Ways to Prepare Your Apartment for Freezing Temperatures
1. Let your faucets drip. Turn your sink faucets to a light drip to help the water flow through the pipes.
2. Open your cabinets. Leave the cabinet doors under all sinks open to allow warmer air to surround the pipes.
3. Heat your home. Set your thermostats to at least 55-60 degrees even if you plan to leave. If you are out of town during freezing temperatures or winter weather, please inform your leasing office immediately. They can help you ensure your apartment is taken care of during freezing temperatures.
4. Call the emergency maintenance line immediately if your water does not come on or you see a water leak anywhere in or around your apartment building.
5. Please use caution when climbing stairs and navigating on sidewalks– Ice could be present.
6. Always remember to be cautious of the “4 Ps”: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes. All people, pets, and plants should be brought inside.
7. Set your ceiling fan direction clockwise and put it on the lowest setting available. Warm air naturally rises towards the ceiling. The ceiling fan will pull up any cool air and send the warmer air that rises toward the top of the room down.
8. Prepare an emergency supply kit with cold-weather gear, blankets, canned goods, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicine, first aid supplies, an ice chest, disposable plates and utensils, a flashlight, etc.
9. Do NOT use a stove, outdoor grill, or gas/propane heaters to supply heat for your home. NEVER use generators indoors.
10. Stay alert! Keep up with your local weather forecast consistently and use caution before leaving your home and driving. Be alert and review the tips above.

Although they may seem minor, these actions preparing your apartment for winter can help preserve both you and your apartment during freezing temperatures. Stay warm!