Resident Resources

Resident Safety Tips
Pacific Northwest

Practical, PNW-specific guidance for damp winters, surprise cold snaps, and warm, dry summers.

Fire & Home Safety

  • Test smoke and CO detectors monthly; replace batteries twice a year.
  • Keep space heaters 3 ft from anything that can burn; never leave them on unattended.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking; keep a lid nearby to smother flames.
  • Prefer flameless candles; if using real candles, extinguish before leaving the room.

Cold Weather — PNW Winters

  • Below freezing? Let faucets drip and open sink cabinets to warm exposed pipes.
  • Use salt or sand on icy steps; report slick common areas right away.
  • Dress in moisture-wicking layers; damp cold chills faster than dry cold.
  • Never use ovens or grills to heat your home.

Warm Weather — PNW Summers

  • Hydrate frequently during heat waves — many PNW homes lack central A/C.
  • Pull in cool night air with window fans; close blinds during the day.
  • Avoid overloading outlets with multiple fans or portable A/Cs.
  • Check on elderly or medically-vulnerable neighbors.

Rain, Wind & Storms

  • Watch for moss and wet leaves — major slip hazards. Report issues promptly.
  • Keep a flashlight and spare batteries for outages; avoid candles.
  • Secure patio items before windstorms; clear balcony drains regularly.

Outdoor & Preparedness

  • Earthquake-ready kit: water, food, medications, flashlight, first aid, copies of IDs.
  • Wildfire season: obey burn bans; monitor summer air-quality alerts.
  • Walk and ride bright — reflective gear helps drivers see you in rainy, dark months.

Pets & Family

  • Never leave pets in cars — even 70°F days get dangerous fast.
  • Use a leash with care on slick sidewalks; moss makes for sudden slides.
  • Install child window-stops and locks; upper-story falls are preventable.
Additional Seasonal Tips
  • Air quality: On smoky days, close windows and run an air purifier or HVAC fan with a clean filter.
  • Flooding: Report gutter and downspout issues promptly; avoid walking through standing water near electrical boxes.
  • Refrigerator during outage: Keep doors closed — most food stays safe for about 4 hours; a full freezer holds for roughly 48 hours.