Prepping Your Floating Home and Dock for Winter: Freeze, Fire, and Storm Safety

As we transition into the winter months, when the leaves fall, the temperatures dip, and lake levels drop, it is the time to ensure our floating homes and docks are ready for the elements. Below is a guide to winterizing our community.

Winter Safety

When temperatures approach freezing, prioritizing freeze prevention on docks and floating homes is essential:

Plumbing & Spigots: Remove and drain hoses, insulate or cover outdoor spigots, and add heat tape to exposed lines above the waterline where needed. Check out this article written by Phyllis Hatfield on the Freeze Miser protector.

Internal Measures: If you have an extensive irrigation system, winterizing it helps prevent frozen or cracked pipes. During cold snaps, open sink cabinets on exterior walls and trickle water from the most distant cold-water faucet to keep water moving.

Fire & Electrical Safety

Alarms & Equipment: Test smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are working on every level and near sleeping areas. Have fire extinguishers ready and accessible.

Heating: Keep electric heaters away from flammable items and use those with tip-over prevention. Always use GFCI outlets for any electrical equipment used outside.

Maintenance: Have a professional annually inspect your fireplace, chimney, and flue. Experts strongly discourage outdoor wood fires and activities with flying embers. If you use gas or propane, regularly inspect your equipment.

Dock & Mooring Maintenance

Securing Your Space: Secure loose outdoor furniture and flower pots before storms.

Inspections: Verify access to shutoffs for water, electricity, and gas. After heavy winds, be sure to check your sewer flex hoses and verify your home’s balance.

If You Are Away

For those who will be away from their floating homes for an extended period:

Property Checks: It is highly encouraged to arrange for a person to regularly check on your property (e.g., 1–2 times a month) and be available in case of an emergency. Also share this contact with your dock so they know who to contact.

Legal Requirements: Some dock bylaws have a requirement to designate a person can act on your behalf if you reside beyond a certain distance, check yours!