Winter: protect the home you’re in.
Gabriela Corazo | Opus Elite Real Estate

Keep winter maintenance focused on safe access, reliable heating, and early signs of trouble. If a repair involves fuel, electrical equipment, a roof, or an active leak, call a qualified professional.

Keep a regular home check
Notice changes in the way your home feels and sounds. New dampness, unusual equipment behavior, or loss of heat deserves attention.
- Keep heating vents clear and follow the service schedule.
- Check accessible areas for leaks or drafts during cold spells.
- Keep walkways maintained using methods suitable for the surfaces.

Prepare for a power interruption
Make an outage plan before you need it. Keep important numbers and supplies accessible without relying on a charged phone.
- Check flashlights, battery packs, and household essentials.
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
- If a CO alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, get outside to fresh air and call emergency services.

Plan before leaving town
Give a trusted person a way to contact you and clear instructions about what to do if something changes.
- Discuss freeze-protection needs with a plumber or HVAC professional.
- Ask someone to check the property as appropriate to your home and trip.
- Review insurer requirements for extended vacancy or absence.

DO
- Know how to reach your utility and service professionals.
- Keep exits accessible.
- Address active leaks and heating failures promptly.

DON’T
- Ignore a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Attempt to clear roof ice from an unsafe position.
- Shut off heat for a trip without a property-specific winterization plan.

YOUR CHECKLIST
[ ] Review heating and alarm care
[ ] Organize outage supplies
[ ] Check accessible areas for leaks
[ ] Keep paths and exits usable
[ ] Make a travel monitoring plan
[ ] Save utility and service contacts

LOCAL NOTE
Winter conditions differ between a condo, an older borough home, and a rural property. Confirm which maintenance tasks belong to you and which belong to an association.

SOURCES
CDC: Carbon monoxide prevention at home: https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
U.S. Fire Administration: Smoke alarm care: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/

Educational guidance; confirm transaction terms and property-specific advice with the appropriate professionals.
Gabriela@opuselitere.com | 215-992-4100