Severe subfreezing weather is in the forecast. To help protect our community, we are sharing important reminders and helpful tips to reduce the risk of frozen or burst water pipes. If pipes freeze, water service may need to be temporarily shut off to entire buildings.
Your cooperation is essential. Please review the information below and follow all instructions immediately to help prevent damage to your apartment, neighboring homes, and the community as a whole.
Preparedness
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Forecasts can change frequently, but you can get updates by following local media and signing up for emergency alerts from local officials to get the latest updates.
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Leave the heat on 24 hours a day at a temperature setting of no less than 60 degrees. Keep all windows closed. Be sure to leave open the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink and bathroom sink(s) to allow heat to get to the plumbing.
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Immediately drip all your water 24 hours a day at a steady drip of about 1 drop per second. This includes cold and hot water in your kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, wet bar sinks, etc.
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If you have washer/dryer units located on any outside patio or in any outside closet, follow these steps to help prevent those water lines from freezing and breaking:
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Turn both the hot and cold-water lines off.
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Disconnect these water lines from the back of your washing machine.
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Place both water lines into the drainpipe behind the washing machine.
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Turn both water lines back on so that a steady drip is coming out 24 hours a day.
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When you want to wash clothes, remember to reconnect the water lines.
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Once temperatures are safely above freezing, please discontinue dripping your water.
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Leave all drains open, including sinks and bathtubs.
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Bring in potted, hanging plants or any loose patio/balcony items.
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Notify management ASAP if you notice any water running from a building or from under your walls.
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Remember to be careful about ice and snow on steps and sidewalks, if any.
Winter Storm Damage & Absence Notification
As a reminder, all residents are required under the Lease to promptly notify management in writing of any damage or hazardous condition related to winter weather, including but not limited to frozen pipes, water leaks, moisture, loss of utilities, or any condition that may pose a risk to the apartment home or building.
Pursuant to Lease Paragraph 15.2 (Your Requirement to Notify), residents must immediately report water leaks, moisture, utility malfunctions, or any condition that threatens property, health, or safety.
If you plan to temporarily stay elsewhere during or after the winter storm, you are required to notify the leasing office in advance so management may, if necessary, access the unit to inspect for potential damage. This requirement applies even if the residence is unoccupied.
Please note that residents remain responsible for reporting damages regardless of occupancy status. Failure to timely report issues may result in additional damage and potential charges, as outlined in Lease Paragraph 9 (Care of Unit and Damages), which requires residents to reimburse for damages that could have been mitigated by prompt action or notification.
Pets
Your pets depend on you to stay safe during severe winter weather. Please take the following steps to help protect them during freezing conditions:
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Bring pets indoors during extreme cold. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be dangerous, even for cold-tolerant breeds.
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Ensure pets have access to warm, dry shelter, fresh water, and food at all times.
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Check that water bowls do not freeze and refill them regularly.
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Limit outdoor time and wipe paws after walks to remove ice, salt, or chemicals that may irritate skin or be harmful if ingested.
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Keep pets away from frozen walkways, icy stairs, and balconies, which may pose slipping or injury risks.
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If you use space heaters or heating devices, keep them safely out of reach of pets to prevent burns or fire hazards.
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Never leave pets unattended on patios or balconies during freezing weather.
If you notice pets in distress or unsafe conditions within the community, please notify management so we can help address the situation.
Survival Kit
We recommend residents prepare a basic winter storm survival kit in case of power outages, limited access to stores, or unsafe travel conditions. Having these items on hand can help keep you and your household safe and comfortable during severe weather.
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Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
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Non-perishable food and snacks
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Manual can opener
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Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns
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Extra batteries
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Portable phone chargers or power banks
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First aid kit
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Prescription medications and essential medical supplies
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Hand sanitizer and personal hygiene items
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Blankets, sleeping bags, or extra warm clothing
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Hats, gloves, scarves, and socks
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates
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Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, lease, medical info)
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Emergency contact list
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Cash (ATMs may be unavailable during outages)
Need Immediate Help?
Follow your local officials and emergency management agency for additional information on resources to help with winter weather emergencies in your area.
Anyone can call 2-1-1, a nationwide service that helps people find community resources for food, utilities, transportation and more. 2-1-1 is confidential, free and is run by a network of local organizations.
Prepare now before the storm hits and ensure you and your family stay safe, warm and comfortable. Even if the forecast changes, you will never regret being prepared.
Visit Ready.gov for more information and checklists.
Disclaimer
For safety reasons, open flames, candles, kerosene lamps, grills, or any flammable heating devices may not be used inside your apartment at any time without prior written approval, as they pose serious fire and carbon monoxide hazards especially during winter storms and power outages.
Thank you for taking the time to review and consider the tips, reminders, and preparedness guidance provided. These recommendations are intended to be helpful but may not cover all precautions residents should take during severe winter weather. Residents are encouraged to use their best judgment and stay informed through official emergency and weather resources.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your local leasing office or community management team. For additional winter storm preparedness information, visit www.fema.gov or contact your local police or sheriff’s department in case of emergency.