As winter arrives, it brings lots of beauty and fun to Canada, but it can also present some challenges. Snow and colder weather can heighten the risk of injuries and accidents, and navigating freshly fallen snow is just one of the hurdles renters may encounter this season. To help you make the most of the winter months, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep you safe and comfortable when winter weather strikes.
Indoor Tips
Heating Your Apartment
One of the main priorities when renting an apartment is to make sure the heaters are working properly. A faulty heater will not only bring down the temperature in the apartment but can cause longer-term issues such as frozen pipes and excessive condensation.
The first step we suggest taking is to check for heat from each vent. If you notice something doesn’t seem to be working, make sure to reach out to your Avenue Living Communities team as soon as possible.
Once you’ve checked for functioning heaters, the next step is to make sure there is nothing blocking the vents. Hot air rises, so make sure there’s nothing over your vent so warmth can circulate to your ceiling and heat your apartment evenly. Items obstructing the hot air from circulating throughout your apartment can prevent you from reaching your desired temperature and lead to unnecessary maintenance work or higher utility bills.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your apartment and inconvenience everyone in your building. To prevent this, make sure your windows are closed and your thermostat is set to at least 18 degrees. If your home drops below that temperature, there are simple precautions you can take, like opening the cabinet doors under your sink to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Finally, if you notice any signs of frost on exposed pipes, report it to your Avenue Living Communities team immediately to ensure quick and effective action.
Fire Safety
Prioritizing apartment fire safety is paramount to ensuring the well-being of everyone living at the property. We recommend being mindful not to overload your outlets, which can lead to electrical fires. It's essential to spread out your usage and avoid connecting multiple power strips in a series.
In Canada, an average of 800 fires are caused by candles each year. It’s important to never leave a flame unattended. Additionally, if you opt for a space heater in your apartment, ensure that it is also never left unattended and make sure that flammable objects are kept at least three feet away from the device. Paper, cardboard and fabrics can easily ignite if they're too close to a portable heating source. These precautions significantly reduce the risk of fire during the winter months.
Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if undetected. It is produced by vehicle exhaust, malfunctioning furnaces and certain types of space heaters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, instances of CO exposure and poisoning are more prevalent when furnaces and heaters are in frequent use.
To keep safe, make sure your smoke alarms and CO detectors are working properly. Test them annually by pressing the test buttons on all detectors throughout your home. If you're unsure or face any issues, simply request Avenue Living Communities to test them for you. Your safety is our top priority!
Must-Have Indoor Accessories
To get a cozier apartment this winter, try adding an area rug in your living space to keep your feet warm. You can place a mat in your entryway to prevent salt from damaging your flooring or excess water from creating a slipping hazard.
Another great item to have on hand is a shoe tray. Place an entry mat just inside your front door for convenient storage of winter boots and to maintain a clean, dry entrance.
Humidifiers can be a wise addition to your home. Placing one in your bedroom helps you breathe easier and keeps your skin hydrated, preventing dryness and irritation.
Laundry Room Safety
If your apartment has a shared laundry room, take extra care during the winter months to prevent accidents. Be cautious of slippery floors caused by snow or water tracked inside, and dry wet boots or clothing thoroughly before entering the area.
Be Neighborly
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen connections with your neighbors. During extreme weather, take a moment to check in on elderly or less mobile residents, ensuring they’re safe and comfortable. Small acts of kindness, like offering a warm drink, can go a long way towards fostering a supportive, close-knit community. Together, we can make the winter months safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Outdoor Tips
Car Safety
Keeping up-to-date on your vehicle’s maintenance during this time of year could be vital for your safety. For those who park outdoors, we suggest keeping up with snow removal on a regular basis. Even if you’re not going anywhere, bundle up and brush off that car of yours every time it snows. If too much snow accumulates on your hood, it could collapse, flooding your engine and damaging expensive electronic components.
Also, make sure to double-check that your car is plugged in and that the plug itself is working because no one wants to deal with a dead battery! Start your car every couple of hours during those extra-chilly days to keep everything in working order. Fuses are more likely to blow if they’ve been exposed to extreme cold or heat for too long, which can disable electronic displays and other instruments.
Lastly, always clear off your tires before venturing out, as the buildup of snow and ice can easily result in decreased traction.
Tidy Up Your Balcony or Outdoor Space
If your apartment has a balcony or outdoor space, we suggest making it winter-ready! This can include bringing inside anything that may deteriorate if exposed to cold weather, such as cushions, planters and rugs. This not only helps maintain a clean and tidy space but also prevents the need for replacements in the spring. If your building lacks additional storage space, consider covering your belongings with a tarp. This simple measure can work wonders by isolating your items from the harsh winter elements.
In addition, it is crucial to ensure patio doors remain tightly closed. Unsecured doors can allow a significant amount of cold air to seep in, posing potential issues not only within your apartment but also for the entire building. Keep them securely shut and be vigilant for any drafts.
Walk Like a Penguin
Walking in the winter can be a challenge, especially with the high risk of a sudden fall. Don’t be afraid to follow in the footsteps of penguins, who are experts at walking on ice!
Here are a few key points on how to walk in the winter:
- Wear shoes with proper traction
- Take shorter steps
- Bend your knees slightly and walk flat-footed
- Point your feet out slightly
- Maintain your centre of gravity
- Keep your arms at your sides (and your empty hands out of your pockets)
- Walk slowly – don't rush
Whenever possible, opt to take cleared pathways. But stay vigilant, as even a thin layer of ice is enough to lose your step. When you rent with Avenue Living Communities, you’ll never have to worry about shovelling your sidewalks – leave that to us.
Pet Safety
If you have pets, it’s important to keep them safe and comfortable during the cold weather. Clean their paws after walks to remove salt and ice, which can cause irritation to their skin. Make sure they have a warm, draft-free spot to rest indoors, providing a cozy space to escape the chill.
Plan Ahead
In order to keep safe this winter, we suggest planning ahead and preparing for the worst-case scenario. Such situations could include power outages or being snowed in. Always having an emergency kit on hand that will last for at least a few days – complete with a flashlight, shovel, non-perishable food, an alternative heating source and any other survival gear, depending on your location is always a wise precaution.
Winter Weather and Emergency Preparedness
We also suggest staying informed and prepared during severe weather conditions. You can sign-up for weather alerts on your local weather app to stay ahead of severe weather and stay informed. It is also a good idea to keep your phone charged and have a backup power bank ready in case of power outages to stay connected.
Additionally, ensure you’re ready for emergencies by keeping Avenue Living Communities’ emergency contact number handy and familiarizing yourself with fire exits and any building-specific emergency protocols.
It’s never too late to be ready for winter!