Autumn in New York is all about enjoying the changing colors of the leaves, festivals, pumpkin picking, and more. Don’t forget to prep your home for fall though! This guide will help you get ready for the colder weather ahead.
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Communicate With Management This Fall
- Inform your property manager if you are planning to leave New York for the winter. Provide an alternative address and the dates that you will not be residing in New York so that management knows where, and how to contact you while you are away.
- Provide a spare key to your superintendent (if applicable) or a trusted neighbor if you plan to leave for the winter. This step is important in the event that your superintendent or property manager needs to enter your home for a building-related emergency (i.e.–pipe bursts, floods, leaks, structural damage to the building, etc.). They will never enter your home unless they need to do so for the integrity of your building or unit.
- If you are a snowbird, you may also want to notify a trusted neighbor that you will be away so that they can help to keep an eye out for theft or pass along any important information while you are away.
- Enroll in Communications from Management by completing our emergency contact form. Opt-in to texting and robocalls so that we can communicate with you in the event of an emergency, or to provide day-to-day information.
- Stay in the know. Follow Einsidler Management, Inc. on Facebook for helpful articles, news, and tips for homeowners.
Prepare Your Home for Fall
- Don’t forget to turn off all outside hoses and water spigots for the winter (if applicable). This is critical in preventing pipe bursts in the winter when the temperature drops. If you will be away during the winter, the last thing you want to come home to is a flooded home in the spring! Read more on frozen pipe prevention.
- Purchase winter supplies such as ice melt, flashlights, batteries, etc. Plan ahead for winter by making sure your home is stocked and ready for colder weather.
- Replace batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if applicable and replace expired fire extinguishers.
- Replace air vents and clean dryer vents if you have your own dryer.
- If you live in a Condo or HOA, you may need to take steps to winterize your home. Refer to house rules if you are unsure if you or management is responsible for this task.
- Winterize windows or notify management/your superintendent of any cracks, or drafts that need repair from the exterior of the home. If you, the homeowner or shareholder are responsible for your own windows, you may want to insulate them. This will help you save on energy costs, eliminate drafts, and help keep your home warm during the winter.
- Inspect your home for leaks or cluttered gutters, and notify your property manager/superintendent.
- Notify management of any holes or cracks in the external parts of your home or common areas. Mice seek shelter when the outside temperature drops, and they enter homes through holes and appliances. Pests are also attracted to exposed food sources. For example, pet food and water bowls should be sealed and put away when they are not in use.
- Plan ahead of the holiday season to reduce stress, fire hazards, and hassle during the busiest time of the year. Brushing up on fire safety and holiday home tips should be part of everyone’s fall home prep list.
- Just in case, make sure that your home is prepared for a hurricane or storm. Hurricane Season in the Atlantic does not end until November 30th.
Fall Safety for Residents & Pets
- Prepare your pets for the changing weather too. If you plan to walk them outside in the cold make sure they are dressed appropriately. This will help to protect your pet from ice and freezing temperatures. Additionally, do not leave your pets outside for extended periods of time in cold or inclement weather.
- When wet leaves are on the ground use caution while walking, driving, or trick-or-treating. Leaves around your community as they can be slippery after a rain storm.
- ‘Tis the season for holiday cooking and baking! Be sure not to leave your oven or stoves unattended and keep your kitchen well-ventilated. Brush up on home safety tips for the holidays!
- As the temperature drops, do not use your oven to heat your home for extended periods of time. Over-extended use can emit carbon monoxide throughout your home and present a fire hazard. Keep space heaters away from objects or materials that can set fire or heat up. Do not leave fireplaces and candles unattended.
Enjoy Fall in and Out of Your Community Association
- Take advantage of fall events happening in your community and neighborhood. Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens are filled with so many wonderful fall festivities! Get involved with planning or attending local social events in and out of your cooperative, condominium, or HOA.
