Winterize the Community
2
While the holidays are a season to celebrate and
gather, this might be the most important time of
year to ensure community grounds and facilities
are well-maintained and functional. Deteriorated,
inoperable, or neglected components, parts,
and roadways can create safety hazards and
dangerous conditions for residents. Keep your
community looking and performing its best
all season long by addressing the areas most
vulnerable to winter weather, like:
• Storm drains and gutters. Make sure water
and melted snow have a controlled flow out
of gutters and away from structures.
• Trees and branches. Trim trees and branches
before the first snowfall and work with an
arborist to check the health of your trees.
• Roofs. Call on a professional to complete a
roof inspection and discuss concerns about
possible ice dams or leaks.
• Pipes. Disconnect hoses and weatherproof
outdoor pipes and faucets, waterproofing
and insulating what's exposed.
• Heating systems. Have a professional
technician test all furnaces, boilers, and
heating units, and check for safety issues.
• Fireplaces and chimneys. Get fireplaces and
chimneys cleaned and inspected by a
professional chimney sweep.
• Windows and doors. Guarantee the seal
around windows and doors isn't cracked or
failing.
• Roads and walkways. Finalize a plan for
handling professional snow and ice removal
and stock up on supplies, like shovels and
salt, as a backup.
