Prepare the property before the weather changes.

Before freezing conditions are forecast

Arrange heating and vent service, review exposed plumbing with a qualified professional, and identify the shutoffs and property-specific winterization procedure. Confirm fuel supply and access for deliveries. Do not copy another home's thermostat or plumbing instructions without checking your own systems.

• Heating service completed and operating instructions recorded.
• Water lines, outdoor fixtures, drainage and known leak concerns reviewed.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms checked per manufacturer guidance.
• Roof, gutters and overhanging hazards assessed from a safe location; use qualified help.

Sources: CDC — Preparing for a Winter Storm

Before snow or ice restricts access

Write down who is responsible for the highway, local road, private road, driveway and pedestrian entry. County maintenance may be limited or seasonal. A plowing agreement needs a scope, trigger, snow-storage plan and communication method, not just a phone number.

• Confirm parked vehicles will not prevent clearing or emergency access.
• Identify steep, shaded or exposed sections and a safe arrival alternative.
• Keep exits and required equipment accessible; do not attempt hazardous roof-snow removal.
• Recheck COtrip and route-specific restrictions before travel.

Sources: Archuleta County — Road & Bridge · CDOT — Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws

Before an outage or extended absence

Decide who receives alerts and who can safely reach the home. Test the alert path and what happens when power or internet fails. A thermostat app is not a substitute for a person with agreed responsibilities.

Keep portable generators outdoors, away from openings, and use them only according to current safety instructions. Never run one in a home or garage. Use qualified electrical help for a home connection.

• Verify the property's utility and current outage-reporting channel.
• Keep a private contact list, access method and repair-authorization limit.
• Plan supplies and an alternate safe location if heat or access fails.

Sources: La Plata Electric Association — How to be Outage Ready · National Weather Service — Prepare Before a Winter Storm

After a weather event

Check the property only when it is safe. Document heat, water, leaks, access and visible damage; communicate anything unresolved before an owner or guest arrival. Record completion time and the next action so a missed check does not become an assumption that all is well.

If a service provider cannot confirm the property is ready, reconsider the arrival. A calendar reservation is not proof of safe conditions.