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/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/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 + batteries for outages; avoid candles.
  • Secure patio items before windstorms; clear balcony drains.

🌲 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/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.
  • Leash care on slick sidewalks; moss makes sudden slides.
  • Use child window-stops and locks; upper-story falls are preventable.
See extra seasonal tips
  • Air quality: On smoky days, close windows and run an air purifier or HVAC fan with a clean filter.
  • Flooding: Report gutter/downspout issues; avoid walking through standing water near electrical boxes.
  • Refrigerator during outage: Keep doors closed; most food stays safe ~4 hours (freezer ~48 if full).