Every autumn, community associations remind owners to winterize their units before heading home for the season.
And every autumn, someone writes:
“Please remember to turn off your water and maintain sufficient heat.”
It’s good advice.
It’s also incredibly boring.
The problem isn’t that owners don’t know they should winterize. The problem is that after hearing the same reminder year after year, the message starts to blend into the background.
So this year, we’re doing something different.
We’re launching the Great Winterization Challenge.
What’s the most creative way to remind an owner to winterize their property?
To get things started, we’ve submitted a few entries of our own.
🏆 Entry #1: Home Alone – Condominium Edition
Kevin forgot his family.
You forgot to turn off the water.
One of these mistakes can flood multiple units.
The movie lasts two hours.
Your repair project could last six months.
Heat On. Water Off. See You in Spring.
🏆 Entry #2: The Call Nobody Wants
You’re back home for the winter.
The leaves are changing.
Football season has started.
Life is good.
Then your phone rings.
“Hello, this is the association. We have a problem in your unit.”
Suddenly you’re coordinating contractors, water mitigation crews, and insurance claims from hundreds of miles away.
Five minutes of preparation today can prevent months of headaches tomorrow.
🏆 Entry #3: A Letter From Future You
Dear Present Me,
Thank you for turning off the water.
Thank you for leaving the heat on.
Thank you for arranging for someone to periodically check the unit.
Because of you, I am not dealing with frozen pipes, water damage, mold, contractors, or surprise repair bills.
Sincerely,
Future You
🏆 Entry #4: Winterization Bingo
Need a reminder?
Complete your bingo card before leaving:
☐ Water Off
☐ Heat On
☐ Emergency Contact Updated
☐ Neighbor Notified
☐ Smoke Detectors Tested
☐ Refrigerator Checked
☐ Cabinets Open Under Exterior Plumbing
☐ Unit Inspection Arranged
☐ Mail Forwarded
BINGO = Peace of Mind
🏆 Entry #5: The Association Manager’s Christmas Wish
Dear Santa,
This year I would like:
- No frozen pipes
- No flooded units
- No emergency restoration crews
- No Christmas morning water losses
- No panicked phone calls from out-of-state owners
Love,
Every Community Manager Everywhere
🏆 Entry #6: Would You Rather?
Would you rather:
- A) Spend five minutes winterizing your unit before you leave
OR
- B) Spend five months coordinating repairs, insurance adjusters, contractors, and restoration companies?
Most owners choose Option A.
Your Turn
We know there are better ideas out there.
What’s the most creative winterization reminder you’ve ever heard?
A catchy slogan?
A funny story?
A clever poster?
A memorable sign?
Share your ideas with your board, management team, newsletter editor or the Deeley Team. We may feature the best submissions on social media!
Because while winterization may not be the most exciting topic, preventing a frozen pipe is a lot more enjoyable than dealing with one.
