PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide is full of great tips on what to do before, during and after severe winter weather and storms. As a renter, preparing your home is important to keep you, your home and your belongings safe during winter storms.
Get tenant/renter’s insurance
While your landlord’s policy covers their rental property, it won’t protect your belongings inside. With tenant insurance you can apply to be covered for things like damages to your belongings due to unforeseen circumstances, like if a frozen pipe bursts. It can also help cover living expenses if you have to be out of your home due to an insurance claim.
Heating your home efficiently can keep your energy costs down
BC Hydro has great tips on how to use your baseboard heaters efficiently and keep comfortable at home in colder temperatures.
- Heat your home in zones depending on which rooms you are using.
- Remember to put those window coverings to work – at night, keep window coverings closed to keep the warm air in and on sunny days open them up and let that sweet sunshine heat up your space.
Pack an emergency kit with supplies for power outages
Emergencies can happen at any time and everyone should have an emergency kit. Think about what you might need to stay safe and comfortable in your home if there were to be a power outage. Include a flashlight, batteries, an extra power bank, food you can eat without your electric stove or microwave and some warm clothes and blankets.
Share rebate programs with your landlord
Speak with your landlord about rebate programs for winter preparedness actions like insulating crawlspaces and attics or installing new windows to prevent heat loss.
Get to know your neighbours
As a renter, you’re an important part of your neighbourhood. Get to know your neighbours so you can support each other in the event of an emergency. Join a snow angel program in your community to keep your sidewalks clean or check out ideas from Neighbour Lab for ways to get to know your neighbours.
Looking for more preparedness tips? Get prepared for emergencies on a budget and find five preparedness tips for people living in apartments, condos or townhomes.