In preparation for the approaching winter weather, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Please take a moment to review these important tips to safeguard your unit/building from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures and bursting pipes.
To avoid damage from bursting pipes, please follow these important tips to make sure your unit/building remains in good condition during the coldest days:
- Please keep the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Open kitchen and bathroom doors to allow warmer air to circulate in your unit.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending nighttime temperatures, you may incur a slightly higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly disruption if pipes freeze and burst.
- Remember to locate your main water shut off valve tonight, so that you can turn the water off and minimize damage in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe.
Why is freezing water a problem?
- If the temperature inside a house gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) it becomes likely that the water pipes and drain traps will freeze. When water freezes it expands, and if there is no room for expansion, the pipe can develop a crack. When the ice thaws the pipe will leak through the crack.
- Any point where the pipes are close to an outside wall is a potential spot for freeze damage. Since many homes have a sink near a window, a common problem is pipes freezing beneath the sink. If the wall behind the sink doesn’t have enough insulation, there is a risk of pipes freezing beneath the sink.
- Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold air from outside to flow across the pipes.
- Even if all precautions are taken, you still might find a frozen pipe in your home. Open the water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve the pressure of expanding ice that may cause a pipe to burst.
- If your heat goes off for any reason, use the portal to report the problem and call 617-547-8700 immediately.
- If you intend to be away for any length of time when outside temperatures get below freezing, please follow the steps outlined and log any maintenance requests and concerns through the resident portal by logging into your account at www.skylinerealty.com/login to notify us.
During Snow Storms and Icy Conditions
We want to assure you that we are actively preparing for the snowfall and icy conditions. Our dedicated vendors and staff members will be working diligently to manage the snow and ensure the safety of your community. In light of any unpredictable nature of upcoming snowstorms, we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to navigate through the challenges caused by snowy conditions.
Tips for Staying Safe
Stay Informed: Keep updated on weather forecasts and storm warnings through reliable sources.
Stay Inside: If possible, avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors during heavy snowfall. If you should venture out, for your safety please use anti-slip weather-appropriate shoes to avoid injuries.
Clear Pathways: Maintain clear paths to prevent slips and falls on snow and ice.
Salt Application: Even though we try to salt as much as possible, we cannot control icy conditions sometimes and how fast the salt dries and we need to salt again. Keep a handy supply of salt for walkways and stairs between service visits. Our snow crews will apply salt and ice melts during the service visit and again in icy conditions. Note If you have pets, use “pet-safe” ice melt.
Emergency Supplies: Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, blankets, and first aid supplies.
Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to any advisories or instructions from local authorities to ensure community safety.
Temperature: Please keep updated on outdoor temperatures if it is under 34 degrees ice forms, simply do not trust outside stairs. Even if they might look dry, this might not be the case. Step down slowly and carefully and try to hold on to a rail.
In light of these preparations, we value your input. If you have any tips, suggestions, or specific preferences on how you’d like us to handle snow-related matters, we invite you to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is crucial in helping us refine our snow management strategy to better suit the needs of your property.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this winter’s weather conditions. Stay safe and warm!
Sincerely,
The Skyline Realty Team