Winter Is Coming
Blackstone Management • Seasonal Home Guide

Winter Is Coming.
Is Your Home Ready?

A little preparation before temperatures drop can help protect your home, prevent costly repairs and make winter safer and more comfortable.

❄️ Cold Weather💧 Frozen Pipes🔥 Heating Safety🏠 Home Protection
Before the First Freeze

A Few Hours Now Can Save a Lot of Trouble Later

Winter weather can be beautiful, but freezing temperatures, snow, ice and wind can be hard on a home. Fall is the ideal time to take care of small items that can become expensive problems once temperatures fall below freezing.

Don’t wait for the first 20-degree night. Winter preparation is much easier before hoses freeze, gutters ice over or the heating system is needed around the clock.
💧Protect Your PipesDisconnect hoses and protect vulnerable plumbing.
🔥Check Your HeatTest the heating system before the first cold night.
🏠Inspect OutsideCheck gutters, drainage, exterior components and trees.
🔦Prepare for OutagesKeep basic emergency supplies ready.
01 • Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen Pipes Can Become Expensive Very Quickly

Water expands when it freezes. A frozen pipe can crack or burst, and damage may not become obvious until the pipe thaws.

Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
Drain and properly store hoses for winter.
Shut off exterior water lines when appropriate.
Consider insulated covers for outdoor faucets.
Keep garage doors closed when plumbing is nearby.
Know where the main water shutoff valve is located.
Check exposed pipes in garages, basements and crawlspaces.
Maintain adequate indoor heat during freezing weather.
02 • Heating System

Make Sure the Heat Works Before You Need It

The first very cold night is a terrible time to discover that your heating system has a problem.

Test the heating system before winter.
Replace dirty HVAC filters as recommended.
Keep supply and return vents clear.
Remove leaves from exterior heat-pump equipment.
Pay attention to unusual noises or odors.
Schedule professional service when needed.
Heating safety matters. Never use an oven, outdoor grill or another appliance not designed for home heating as an indoor heat source.
03 • Outside Your Home

Take a Walk Around the Property

A quick exterior inspection can identify problems before snow and ice make them harder to see or repair.

Gutters & DrainageRemove leaves and debris so winter rain and melting snow can drain properly.
Roof & ExteriorLook for damaged shingles, loose trim or deteriorated caulking.
Trees & BranchesWatch for damaged branches that could become hazardous under snow or ice.
Outdoor FurnitureSecure or store lightweight furniture and decorations.
04 • Keep the Cold Outside

Check Windows, Doors & Weather Seals

Drafts can make a home uncomfortable and force a heating system to work harder.

Check exterior doors for drafts.
Inspect weather stripping.
Make sure windows close and lock properly.
Look for damaged exterior caulking.
Keep heating vents unobstructed.
Report common-element concerns when applicable.
05 • Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety

Winter Is an Important Time to Check Your Alarms

Heating equipment, fireplaces and closed-up homes make winter an especially important time to think about fire and carbon monoxide safety.

🚨Test Your AlarmsTest smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
🔥Use Heat SafelyKeep combustible materials away from heating equipment.
🪵Fireplaces & ChimneysHave them inspected or serviced when appropriate.
🚪Keep Exits ClearDo not allow stored items, snow or ice to block exits.
06 • Prepare for an Outage

A Few Basic Supplies Can Make a Big Difference

Winter storms can cause power outages or make travel difficult. Keep flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, drinking water, basic food, warm blankets, medications and pet supplies available.

07 • Snow & Ice

Have the Basics Ready Before the Snow Starts

Check Your EquipmentMake sure snow shovels and winter tools are usable.
Prepare for IceKeep an appropriate ice-melting product available where permitted.
Exterior LightingMake sure steps and walkways remain visible.
Know Your ResponsibilitiesUnderstand which sidewalks, driveways or steps you must clear.
08 • HOA & Condominium Living

Know What You Maintain — and What the Association Maintains

Winter maintenance responsibilities vary by community. Governing documents, leases and Association policies determine which components are maintained by individual owners or residents and which are maintained by the Association. Review your community’s specific requirements rather than assuming responsibility.

09 • When Winter Weather Arrives

A Little Cooperation Helps the Entire Community

Move vehicles when requested for snow-removal operations.
Do not block hydrants, drains, sidewalks or travel lanes with snow.
Give snow-removal crews room to work safely.
Watch for community notices about parking and operations.
Use caution around plows, salt trucks and maintenance equipment.
Report genuine property concerns through the appropriate management channel.

Prepare Now. Enjoy Winter Later.

A little planning can help protect your home, reduce surprises and make cold-weather season much easier. Take a few minutes this fall to walk through the checklist and get ready before winter arrives.

This article provides general seasonal information only. Homeowners and residents should follow their community’s governing documents, lease requirements, manufacturer instructions and applicable public-safety guidance.