It's Time To Winterize Your Community Association

Written by Katie Vaughan, Vice President Ciraconnect Insurance Services

An unseasonably warm October here in Dallas is raising our afternoon temps into the 90’s so it is hard to imagine the cold bite of winter. However, it is right around the corner and now’s the time to act. There are several things you can do to protect your community association.

Check the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors and change them as needed. How often do they need to be changed? That depends on the device’s power drain. If you are unsure but think the battery still has some useful life, please use it on another device that does not involve your safety. Your gutters and downspouts need accumulated debris cleared – especially after all those beautiful autumn leaves have fallen off the trees. Moreover, have your HVAC systems checked to be certain they are in good working order.

If the entry to your community is gated, have a contingency plan to leave the gate open when icy conditions exist. There are several reasons to do this. Chains that operate the gates sometimes freeze. Vehicles can hit an icy patch and slide into them. Moreover, there are times when power demands result in rolling blackouts.

The vendors for the exterior of your community also have important extra tasks to complete before winter arrives. Your landscaping beds need to have debris cleared, plants deadheaded and perennials cut back where necessary.Trees should have all dead limbs removed, and some additional pruning may have to be done. Shut off irrigation systems and drain the lines as appropriate. Be sure all exposed pipes are insulated.

Do you have a pool? Now is the time to put away your pool equipment and outdoor furniture. Contact your pool service and ask them to do any needed winterizing. Moreover, make sure access gates are locked and secured, and ‘Pool Closed’ signs are posted.

Loss prevention is one key to enjoying your community. It is also a strong focus on insurance companies and agents. If you would like a review of your current insurance program, please contact us. We will be happy to take a look!