Condo Living

January 8, 2025 Published by London and Area Chapter

Ready for Winter?

From the CCI Review 2024/2025-1 July—November 2024 issue of the CCI London Chapter

Hibernation is not far from our thoughts, for some of us. At the very least, there will be days that going out is really not desirable and for safety’s sake, we hope you listen to those cautions that are floating in your heads.

We all have to do what is best to keep safe. Stock up on the essentials and some special treats that give you joy so you will be less inclined to be out on the snowy days.

So far, we’ve had the chill, made worse by the rain and short days without the sunshine to make us feel a little better. We don’t all welcome the chill of winter and some will be going to warmer climates and we wish you sunshine throughout your stay away.

If you are going away for any length of time, review what may be your responsibility at your condo unit during the period and while this list is not comprehensive, it is likely to be helpful:

• Review your unit insurance policy and arrange the appropriate check-ins for your unit with family and/or neighbours.
• Confer with your insurance provider for clarity
• Advise the manager/board that you will be away, the dates, and make sure there is a contact name/number of the person you have arranged to attend the unit
• Provide the contact for your unit with the information of your insurance provider
• Install new batteries in your smoke/CO alarms
• Make sure outside water supply is off to winterize outside water pipes
• Turn off your main water supply valve to avoid leaks or potential floods and prevent water damage – you can also drain all the from the plumbing to prevent leaks and bursting pipes
• Depending on the type of water heater in your unit, follow the instructions on whether to put it on vacation mode or turn it to the lowest setting if it doesn’t have a vacation mode which will keep the water heater tank warm and removes risk of freeze damage – understand there are steps to take when you return to get it up to operating temperature
• It’s not a bad idea to have your plumber come in to do an inspection prior to you leaving town
• If your water heater is a rental, call and have them do a maintenance check – confirm when setting up the appointment that it is free
• DO NOT turn the furnace off but do set it to keep the heat at a minimum of 16.667° C (62° FF) or 17.222° C (63° F)
• Leave salt/ice melt for those who are checking your unit to keep walkways and entrances safe
• Leave a phone number (if different from your contact information) where the manager/board can be in touch with you directly
• Make appropriate arrangements for your pets
• Store your vehicles that won’t be used in witner or in the path of snow removal equipment
• Unplug all of your electronic appliances to protect them from a potential power surge and to save on electric expenses while you are away.
• Pay your bills so that your time away will not include disruption in services
• Stop all deliveries to the condo unit or ask your friend or neighbour to collect everything that may be dropped off.
• There are was though that we can be better prepared for it. Condominium living does have advantages that we should embrace.
• Remove all garbage and clean out refrigerator

The one maintenance task that condo owners do not have to attend to is one they remember well if they lived in a single family dwelling and that is snow removal. Do be reminded that snow crews are not on properties 24/7 so care should always be a priority when you are out and about. If you view areas that are a safety concern, do report it to your manager/board so that it can be attended to. We all want to keep our neighbours safe.

Many suppliers have information to share and we share them with you.

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For those of us living in townhouse type condominiums, review your condo documents for responsibilities relative to your gas meters. In London and Middlesex County, natural gas is provided by Enbridge Gas, Inc.

Winter brings some challenges that you should be aware of. Check out their website for assistance here

Keep a clear path to your natural gas meter for accurate meter readings and in case of an emergency.

Gas meter covered in snow?

Keeping your natural gas meter accessible and appliance vents clear throughout the year is essential to your home safety and well-being.

During colder months, gently clear snow and ice from your natural gas meter, regulator and natural gas appliance vents to help avoid safety hazards, service interruptions and appliance malfunctions. Then watch our short, interactive video to test your safety smarts.

Call Enbridge at 1-866-763-5427 to report icing buildup—we’ll take care of it for you. Do not try to melt or break the ice yourself. Never hit, kick or use sharp objects on your natural gas meter.

For more information about your gas meter or if you smell gas, please call https://www.enbridgegas.com/safety/keepyour- meter-clear

What to do if you smell a gas leak?

If you smell a rotten egg odour, it could be a natural gas leak. Leave the area immediately and call our emergency number from a safe distance at 1-866-763-5427. Act quickly and remain calm—our emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as the Silent Killer because you can’t smell it, see it or taste it. But it can harm or kill you. In Ontario, approximately 65% of all CO deaths and injuries occur in homes and in virtually all cases is preventable with the proper inspections and maintenance.

Sources of CO are associated with malfunctioning fuel-burning equipment and appliances and poor venting and confined spaces. On average most Ontario households have 4-6 appliances that produce carbon monoxide; including gas fireplace, BBQ, gas dryer, furnace, water heater and car.

Poor maintenance of these particular appliances, damaged or blocked heating, or inadequate airflow can cause dangerous levels of CO to build up inside your home or any enclosed space under certain conditions.

PREVENTION – DO INCLUDE ANNUAL INSPECTIONS ANNUALLY ON YOUR CALENDAR

TSSA-registered Fuels Contractors are the only businesses that can legally do fuels related work in Ontario. Find or verify companies with a valid TSSA Registration here.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, ensure that all your fuel-burning appliances and vents are inspected annually by a TSSA certified fuel technician and that you have working CO alarms in your home – it is mandated if you have a fuel-burning appliance fireplace or an attached garage.

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BY LAW, in Ontario, CO alarms are required to be installed outside all sleeping areas of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. Failure to comply could result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for landlords.

“The importance of having a carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas and the role it plays in preventing deaths cannot be stressed enough”, says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshall. “The law is in place to save lives and only a working carbon monoxide alarm will identify the presence of a carbon monoxide leak in your home before it’s too late.”

CO exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, and death. Safety starts with awareness – practice the following and protect yourself and loved ones from carbon monoxide:

• Test CO alarms each month and change the batteries at least once a year using Day Light Savings Time changes as a reminder
• Have fuel-burning appliances – furnace, gas stove, fireplace – annually inspected by a trained, certified technician to check for a leak at the source
• Ensure all chimneys and vents are clean and clear of obstructions
• If a CO alarm activates or you suspect someone in your home has symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.
• Never use a barbecue, portable fuel-burning camping equipment, or gas-powered generators indoors.

As we approach the winter months, safety of our families, neighbours and the assets of our corporations is paramount. Please ensure that all areas of safety are followed.

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Arnsby Property Management

For more information on our comprehensive property management services, please contact:
Diane Ridgway, RCM, OLCM, ACCI, ARM
Andrew Elliott, RCM, OLCM, ACCI2.88
Sherry Miller, RCM, OLCM
Jason Shaw, RCM, OLCM

WEBSITE: www.arnsby.com
E-MAIL: info@arnsby.com

924 OXFORD STREET EAST, LONDON, ON N5Y 3J9

Phone: 519-455-6080
TOLL FREE: 800-376-8777