Winter’s coming, get prepared.
If you live in Canada’s prairies, we’re sure you’re ready for the winter months. Mitts, shovels, and hockey sticks in hands. Or you’re inside, staying warm, busy picking out your Netflix winter binge. The cold weather is almost upon us and so naturally you're searching for winter apartment tips.
Learn how to best prepare your rental apartment for below-freezing temperatures, icy patches, and snow. Follow along for a few simple winter tips for your apartment that may save you a headache later.
Save Energy and Heat Through Windows
You don’t need to spend more to stay warm in your rental property.
Aside from the obvious – lock patio doors and keep windows tightly closed – window insulation film is a great energy-saving option for reducing heat loss at home. Alternatively, weather seal tape, or blackout curtains are a good idea. These can keep your apartment warmer, as windows account for up to 30 per cent of heat loss.
You also may lose 10 per cent of heat just through your floors. If you’ve got laminate or hardwood flooring, use thick rugs to help keep the warm air in.
Following these simple steps helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes as well. Turn on the heat and keep your thermostat set to a minimum 18 degrees Celsius. Plus, keeping interior doors open allows heat to circulate easier. Or if there’s a room you rarely use, keep the door closed. This will better heat the rooms you use in cold temperatures.
Maintain Your Outdoor Space
When temperatures plummet and the winter weather comes, be extra careful outside. Be aware of icy patches on the ground and falling ice from above. If you notice any serious winter hazards that are not identified in and around the property, contact your resident portfolio manager to address any concerns.
If your apartment has a balcony, consider a shovel or broom to remove snow early before it builds up over time. When removing snow and ice from your balcony, watch for pedestrians below, and avoid pushing snow into a pile, creating weight that could cause damage.
Prepare Your Apartment for A Winter Emergency
We hope every year is not as bad as the last, but it’s best to be prepared with a few necessities.
Stay indoors, stay off the roads, and watch out for signs of frostbite during a winter storm. Pay attention to news reports, and stock up if you haven’t already done so.
Stockpiling for emergency situations is recommended through the winter, as winter storms can be unpredictable.
Keep high-energy, high-protein, non-perishable foods on hand, as the body uses up more energy in emergency situations. Peanut butter, whole-wheat crackers, nuts and trail mixes, cereal, granola bars, dried fruit, and canned tuna are just a few great examples of foods to stockpile in case of winter emergencies.
Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to take on mother nature this winter. Stay safe when you’re out there, and be a friendly neighbour, or you know, a ‘snow angel’.