Anyone spending even a few seconds outside this morning, Friday January 25th, knows just how much weather like this can BITE, right down to the bone! And more is on the way over the next couple weeks.

When it gets this frigid, we do have some precautions to recommend, to help protect your home, particularly if you are planning to leave your home for an extended period of time over the winter, we suggest:

• Let the Management Office know of the dates of your absence and the persons authorized to enter your unit while you are gone.
• Confirm the Management Office has your update contact and emergency contact information so the staff knows how you or someone you designate can be reached in case of an emergency. Here is a form you can use for this purpose, Emergency Contact Information Form 2018, just complete it and drop it off or e-mail it to the office. parktowercondo@draperandkramer.com
• In severe cold weather, leaving the heat on at a low setting as a precaution, even if you are not home. OWNERS WITH VACANT UNITS, we strongly recommend you do this as well.
• Ensure that your windows are closed tightly.
• To avoid window frost and condensation, do not use humidifiers, cook foods requiring boiling water and avoid long showers. Consider lowering the temperature of the water for showers and baths to reduce humidity in the unit.
• Ask a friend to check your home periodically while you are gone. Owners with vacant units should check or have someone check regularly.

Planning to go out into the cold, well we have some personal safety and awareness tips as well:

Exposure to cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous and damaging. Frostbite, numbness, dehydration and hypothermia are real concerns from chilly outdoor weather. If you’re traveling or working outdoors, be aware of the dangers and stay safe. From Saftey Line online:

1. STAY WELL NOURISHED BY EATING AND DRINKING ENOUGH

Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures.

2. STAY WELL RESTED

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert when weather conditions are more dangerous such as they are now.

3. PLAN BREAKS FROM THE COLD

Just like you need to take breaks from your work throughout the day, your body needs to take breaks from the cold. If you’re going to be out in the cold, particularly for extended periods, plan warm-up times throughout your day to avoid numbness and shivers.

4. STAY DRY

Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat. Wear waterproof gear, jackets and such, as an outer shell to prevent your under layers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately.

5. DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS

Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Neckies and scarves can help keep your face, ears, neck and shoulders warm and comfortable.

6. KEEP A COLD WEATHER SAFETY KIT IN YOUR VEHICLE

If you’re on the road, make sure to take a cold weather safety kit. A cold weather kit should include emergency blankets, candles, and matches. A candle burning in a vehicle could provide enough warmth to ward off hypothermia for a period of time.

Here are some other helpful links to helpful information online with advice for protecting yourself, your home, family and vehicle in severe winter weather.

https://www.nationwide.com/winter-weather.jsp

https://www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather/index.html

REMINDER – Please Use URGENT CAUTION Coming And Going From The Building

It is the season and weather for it, but particularly with the most recent snowy weather, wind and freezing conditions, we can expect quite a bit of ice falling from the tower.

DUE TO WIND AND SOME EXPECTED MELTING, PLEASE USE ABUNDANT CAUTION coming and going from anywhere around the perimeter of the the building, including the mall entrances and exits, the Circle Driveway, Plaza and the sidewalk along Sheridan. Sheets of ice can take flight like a frisbee or boomerang and land just about anywhere at the base of the building.

If you expect guests, we strongly suggest you warn them as well, and ask that for their safety they be extra cautious coming and going.

Obviously, it is safe to assume we will experience more of this weather from time to time for the remainder of winter. So always be aware, especially during and after precipitation which is followed by freezing conditions.