Winter conditions have officially arrived, and for many Canadians, the snow and colder weather pose a risk for injuries, accidents and many more safety concerns. Slippery roads, icy pathways, snowy shoes and heating your apartment are some of the many concerns apartment dwellers deal with on a regular basis during this time of year. With all of this in mind, we have put together a checklist for you to consider when winter weather wreaks havoc.
Heating Your Apartment
One of the main concerns 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 bursting pipes.
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 Maintenance Associate as soon as possible. When renting with Avenue Living Communities, you will benefit from the completion of maintenance requests within three business days – so you'll never have to worry about extended periods without interior heat this winter.
Once you’ve checked for functioning heaters, the next step is to make sure there is nothing blocking the vents. Items obstructing the hot air from circulating throughout your apartment can not only prevent you from reaching your desired temperature but lead to unnecessary increases on your next utility bill.
Also, if you choose to have a space heater in your apartment, make sure flammable objects are kept at least three feet away. Items like paper, cardboard and fabrics can easily set aflame if they're too close to a portable heating source.
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. We suggest always having an emergency kit on hand that will last for a least a few days – one that is complete with a flashlight, shovel, non-perishable food, an alternative heating source, and any other survival gear depending on your location.
Car Safety
Keeping up-to-date on your vehicle’s maintenance during the colder months could be vital for your safety this winter. For those who park outdoors, we suggest keeping up with snow removal as required. Bundle up and brush off that car of yours every time it snows and pay extra attention to the hood because if too much snow accumulates, your engine could be in danger. No one wants to deal with a dead battery!
We also encourage starting your car every couple of hours during those extra-chilly days to keep everything in working order. And always clear off your tires before venturing out, as the buildup of snow and ice can easily result in decreased traction.
Walk Like a Penguin
Walking in the winter can always be a challenge, especially with the high risk of a sudden fall. Don’t be afraid to follow in the footsteps of penguins, who have walking on ice down to a tee!
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
Always opt for taking cleared pathways for greater confidence in the ground beneath you. When you rent with ALC, you’ll never have to worry about shoveling your sidewalks – leave that to us.
Must-Have Indoor Accessories
Try adding an area rug to keep your feet warm and placing 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. Set up one just inside your front door for easy storage of winter boots and a clean, dry entrance.
One more wise winter addition is a humidifier. By placing a humidifier in your bedroom, your skin can be hydrated on a regular basis rather than constantly dry and cracked.
It’s never too late to be ready for winter!