It is the time of year when taking a few preventive measures can help to ensure a safe and warm winter for us all. It is also a good time to inspect your home for any items that may need attention. Please note that some of these may be common area elements that may not apply to you if you reside in a multi-family building, such as hose covers or gutters.

STEP-BY-STEP FALL/WINTER PREPARATION:

  • Maintain a minimum interior temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If applicable, your Windermere lease identifies changing the furnace filter as a resident responsibility once per quarter (every three months).
  • Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve so you know where it is in the event of an emergency.
  • During long absences, shut off water to washing machine, and open cupboards under sinks.
  • Remove exterior hoses, and cover exterior faucets with foam covers that you can purchase at any hardware store, such as this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Standard-Faucet-Cover-1980/204759226
  • Check batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and thermostats, replace as needed.
  • Practice safe escape route with all members of your household: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/BePreparedBeSafe/GetReady/HomeEmergencyPreparedness
  • Use fans and/or crack a window slightly in bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room to avoid condensation (which is especially a problem during winter).
  • Make sure all gutters are clear and draining, downspouts connected, and water diverted away from your home. Please report clogged gutters to your Property Manager (do not climb on roof).
  • Reference your lease regarding cleanup of ice, snow, and debris from sidewalks.

If you have questions about any of these items listed above, such as locating your water shutoff, please call or email your Property Manager. You also have the option to report routine maintenance needs via your TWA tenant portal.

IF YOU HAVE A MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY:

  • Please contact your Property Manager immediately.
  • If you don’t reach them, please call our office number (425) 455-5515. We have an after-hours answering service for EMERGENCIES ONLY, such as a water leak or failed furnace.
  • In the event that you need to wait for a call back, please do not wait to TAKE ACTION yourself. If you do not take action (e.g. turning off the water main if a pipe bursts), you may be responsible for any damage resulting from failure to act.
  • If there is any danger to life, call 911 immediately.

If you are unsure if your maintenance situation constitutes an emergency, please consider if the repair can wait until the next business day without causing damage to your home, such as a loose bedroom door knob. If your home is being damaged, or the situation is about to create damage, please call your property manager or the emergency number immediately. In the event of a power outage, please first call your provider (Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, etc.) to report the outage as it may be a neighborhood or city wide issue that your Property Manager will be unable to resolve.

Our goal is to provide you with a habitable home at all times. By working together and responding quickly to emergencies, we should be able to meet that goal. Our goal is to provide you with a habitable home at all times. By working together and responding quickly to emergencies, we should be able to meet that goal.