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Trestle Provides Winter Preparedness Tips for HOA and Condo Residents

As winter approaches, residents of HOA and condo associations should be well-prepared to face the challenges that the cold weather, snow, and holiday season bring. A proactive approach to winter preparedness can prevent many common problems and ensure that your home remains safe and warm during these colder months.

Protect Your Home:

  • Prevent Frozen Pipes: Extreme cold can cause water in pipes to freeze. If these frozen pipes burst, they can lead to significant damage. Keep the thermostat set to a minimum of 55 °F, even if you’re away. For added protection, consider insulating exposed pipes.
  • Secure Exterior Doors and Windows: Cold drafts can increase heating costs and make your home less comfortable. Ensure that all windows and doors are sealed properly. If leaving for the holidays, ensure all entry points are locked to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Service Calls: Fireplace Maintenance: Before enjoying the cozy warmth of your fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected to avoid chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Heating System Inspection: A timely service check ensures that your heating system runs efficiently and safely.
  • Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can disrupt power. In addition to keeping phones and power banks charged:
    • Store candles and waterproof matches.
    • Consider investing in a portable generator and familiarize yourself with its safe usage.
  • Outdoor Faucet Care: Prevent water damage by properly winterizing outdoor faucets. After draining and storing water hoses, insulate faucets with covers.

Extended Absences:

  • Contact Information: Make sure your Association has updated contact details. In case of emergencies or important notifications, they should be able to reach you.
  • Electrical Precautions: Avoid turning off electrical breakers. Some systems, like security or heating, need continuous power.
  • Regular Checks: If you’re away, arrange for someone trustworthy to inspect your home periodically, ensuring there are no issues like leaks or break-ins.
  • Outdoor Items: Protect outdoor furniture from winter weather by either storing it or using durable covers.
  • Mail and Newspaper: Accumulated mail or newspapers signal that no one’s home, inviting potential burglars. Suspend deliveries or have someone collect them for you.

Package Delivery:

Mail theft increases during the holiday season. Consider having packages delivered to a secure offsite location such as your office, or an Amazon locker.  If packages are delivered while you are not home, ask a neighbor to bring them inside.

Maintenance Emergencies:

Maintenance emergencies are situations which require immediate attention due to an imminent threat or danger to life, safety, or property such as:

  • Total stoppage of the plumbing and drain system throughout the home,
  • A malfunctioning elevator,
  • Water leak which requires the water supply to be shut off to avoid serious water damage,
  • Extensive roof leak which cannot be contained by a bucket until regular business hours, and
  • Gas leaks.

Utility Emergency:

If a utility related emergency is occurring and you can safely turn off the utility, do so. Damage from a water leak can be minimized by turning off the water to a particular fixture or appliance or by turning off the water main to the building or home. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the location of the main shutoff for gas, electricity, and water for their homes before an emergency occurs.

Call 9‐1‐1 if appropriate. Contact the utility provider’s emergency number and then notify Trestle at (425) 4546404.

Common Area, Building, or Unit Emergency:

Call 9‐1‐1 if appropriate. Contact Trestle at (425) 454-6404. Use your best judgment and take the steps necessary to limit further danger, damage, cost and liability to you and your Association.

Connecting with Trestle:

Winter brings its own set of challenges, but with adequate preparation, condo and HOA residents can enjoy the season with peace of mind. Embrace the cold, celebrate the holidays, and stay safe and warm in your home!

To learn more, please contact your Community Association Manager using your community email address or our Client Experience Team at (425) 454-6404 or Hi@TrestleCM.com.

In addition to Trestle’s website, we regularly connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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