USEFUL Information

Winter Advisory 

Unit owners and renters are asked to carefully review CHV Rules relating to winter activities. For example, sledding is a no-no, and people will be subject to fines if they break this—or other—rules.

Cars should be kept in garages. Visitor parking spaces may be closed prior to predicted storms so that snow can be piled in those areas. Any vehicle impeding driving or snow removal anywhere on CHV grounds is subject to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense. If your vehicle or the vehicle of your guest is towed, call the Bethel Police at 203-743-5500 for information.

Several boxes filled with sand will once again be placed on CHV grounds for the winter months. Fill a bucket or two for your personal use. Scatter the sand as needed in front of your doors and garage. Ice melt can be purchased at local grocery and hardware stores.

Remove snow promptly from decks and balconies. This prevents melting snow from seeping under sliders into the unit’s interior. The Association is not responsible for structural or interior damage resulting from the negligence of residents. If you wish to hire someone to clear your deck and balcony, contact Greenfield Management.

Dispose of live Christmas trees by placing them next to a dumpster—not in the dumpster. This should be done before January 30. Residents of Buildings 83 and 85 must remove trees through the front doors of the units, not via interior hallways and stairs. This is necessary to avoid marring walls and railings with scratches and pine sap.

Frozen Pipes: What You Need to Know

It is important to know how to prevent your home’s water pipes from freezing. It’s equally important to know what to do if a pipe does freeze.

Prevention. The American Red Cross points out that there are three common causes of frozen pipes:

• Quick drops in temperature
• Poor insulation
• Thermostats set too low.

Steps you can take to keep pipes from freezing:

* Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

* Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products (a) approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (b) only for the use intended, and (c) installed only as directed. 

* A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

* Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep,but further drops in the temperature—more common overnight—could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes. During periods of severe cold, it is advised that thermostats be kept at 64°F or higher.

* Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

* Keep garage doors closed. Two- and three bedroom units: consider opening the interior door to the garage to allow home heat to enter the garage.  DO NOT under any circumstances use kerosene or other fuel-fed heating devices in the garage to heat it. This is illegal!

If Pipes Freeze. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

* You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of the pipe. NEVER use a blow torch or any other open flame to try to thaw out frozen pipes.

If a Pipe Breaks. Immediately turn off the main shutoff valve for your unit, leave the water faucets turned on, and call a plumber.

* Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.
 

Single stream recycling information

Information on the single stream recycling program is available for download.