1. Make sure you’re prepared for snow and ice even if the Association takes care of your walks and/or driveway.  They can’t be there every minute to treat the ice, so to protect yourself from liability, supplement the ice melt treatments.  If you are responsible as a homeowner for your driveways and walks, take care to keep them free from snow and ice as best you can.
  2. Schedule your chimney and flue inspections to keep fireplaces safe.  Many associations have rules requiring periodic inspections.  They are important to avoid fires so take this precaution whether required by your association or not.  Add dryer vents as well because they are a real hazard during every season.
  3. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors work.  This is required by code, but is especially important during the cold weather when heating systems and fireplaces are used.
  4. If your association allows generators, make sure they are set up and vented properly to avoid the effects of carbon monoxide.
  5. If you require medical care or treatment, make arrangements to deal with medical emergencies.  Make sure you association or a neighbor has emergency contact information just in case.
  6. Similarly, if you are a snowbird and will not be around in the winter, make sure you winterize your home to prevent unexpected damage or legal liability for frozen/broken pipes.
  7. Be vigilant—ice damming occurs in the winter months and the resulting leaks are sometimes undetected until there is serious damage.  Be aware of what is going on with your home—make regular observations to catch problems while still small and manageable.