Do's and Don'ts of Winter Prep

Do's

• Open cabinets during extended periods of below freezing temperatures so that the warm air can reach pipes along exterior walls.
• Remove all hoses from outside hose bibs.
• Turn on faucets so that they drip, dripping faucets can help prevent freeze ups.
• Notify the leasing office if you are going on vacation for extended length of time.
• Close all storm windows to prevent drafts.
• Any registers in unused spare rooms should be open in order to keep the room warm and prevent interior water lines from freezing.
• Remember to keep your garage roll up doors closed when not in use to prevent freezing of interior pipes or belongings.
• Make sure heat registers or baseboard heaters are not obstructed.
• Keep your fireplace flue closed when you are not using it.

Don'ts

• Do not turn off your furnace while on vacation or away from your home to maintain a constant temperature above 65 degrees.
• Do not warm up your vehicle inside your garage.
• Do not use the stove, oven or grills to heat your home.
• Do not use portable natural/propane gas heaters to heat your home or garage.
• Do not use portable generators inside your home or garage.
• All of the above could create high levels of carbon monoxide in your home.