HOA Winter Preparedness: Supporting Your Community Through the Season

For many, this is the time of year to head south to the beaches and escape the icy weather. But if you’re like us and can’t get enough of a beautiful white Christmas, we promise there are ways to thrive in the chilly weather! 

HOA Winter preparedness isn’t always easy, but being part of an HOA takes a bit of the pressure off. Here are a few HOA winter preparedness steps your community is taking to help cut down some of your work this winter, and some tips and tricks to help you return the favor!

Rely On Your HOA 

Whether you know it or not, your HOA Board of Directors has put a LOT of thought into winterizing the community. That might include things like hosting community holiday events to keep the cheerful spirit alive or laying down some much-needed ice melt on the roads and sidewalks to keep residents safe from slip hazards. Whatever they’re doing, the Board is working hard each winter to make the season manageable. 

Here are a few items your HOA Board might take care of each winter, please check your Declaration for responsibilities:

• Snow Contracts: Pre-arranged contracts determine how the snow is cleared and ensure prompt work. These contracts are settled well in advance of the winter season so everyone is as prepared as possible when the first real snow falls.
• Road Salt & Gutter Cleaning: The Association  may take care of salting roads and clearing gutters to prevent ice buildup. This helps save money and promotes community safety.
• Community Rooms: Thermostats will be set to a reasonable level for shared spaces, and if there’s a holiday party on the books, everyone will celebrate in comfort.
• Winterizing Outdoor Amenities: Water features like fountains are scheduled for shut off during this time of year, as are any community sprinkler systems. This is done to avoid costly and potentially irreparable ice damage.

All of these tasks, and likely many more, help keep your community operating efficiently and safely. Keep all of these in mind as you start winter preparations of your own! If needed, work with your community to learn the proposed snow clearing schedule to plan your days, or volunteer for community activities in your HOA. Every little bit makes the cold a bit more bearable and supports your HOA winter preparedness initiatives.

Be Dependable in Return

Being neighborly is important during the challenging winter months. As a member of the HOA, you can certainly help everyone around you have a safer cold season. This doesn’t mean you have to climb up on a friend’s roof to string up lights or decorations (but if that’s how you want to help, by all means!) Instead, think about ways you can contribute to the success of the community as a whole (simply by being a little cognizant of typical winter wear and tear).

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Prep Your Pipes:  Insulating the pipes in your home to prevent freezing isn’t just great for your own space. Homeowners should also winterize outdoor faucets and unhook hoses. These outdoor water features can cause damage not only to your own property but to neighbors and the community as well. Advanced prep is a great way to think about those around you!
• Snow Removal: Even if your community has a snow removal contract, any extra work you can do to expedite the process or help during heavy snow is appreciated. Something as simple as throwing down some ice melt when you notice it’s needed on the sidewalks in front of your home or blowing a bit of snow out of the way in a driveway can go a long way.

Remember these other items for your own home as well:

• Thermostats: Set to a consistent temperature to avoid freezing pipes. If you’re traveling, keep it no lower than 60 °F. 
• Ceiling Fans: Set any fans in your home to the clockwise setting to circulate warm air. 
• Close the Doors: Don’t leave garage doors open during snowstorms. It can let in cold air and snow. 

Don’t Stress the Season

The chill of the season can cause some fretting and concern. But it doesn’t have to! Especially when you’re part of a community that ensures everyone is prepared. HOA winter preparedness has already started, and it’s not too late for you to get involved! If you do your part to get ready for the bluster, the cold outside is kind of wonderful.

Need a little extra help getting the HOA together on winterizing initiatives? Let us know–at Foster Premier, we’ve weathered our fair share of bitter, cold winters. We’re here to help communities make the right moves each winter to ensure a safe community for everyone. Contact us today to see how we can help.