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.
Contact Us
See something unsafe? Tell us right away.
Use your Resident Portal for non-emergencies — leaks, lighting, trip hazards, and other concerns.
Dial 911 for all life-threatening emergencies.