Winter Maintenance Guide

Emergency Maintenance Information

Emergency work items are normally repaired within 24 hours of receiving notice.
The following situations are officially considered maintenance emergencies and must be reported immediately:

• Natural gas leaks or fumes
  
  
• Major plumbing leaks or flooding
  
  
• Lack of a functioning toilet
  
  
• Clogged main sewer lines
  
  
• Locks not working or lockouts
  
  
• Unresponsive or down person
  
  
  • Call 911 first, then maintenance if help is needed for entry
    
    
• Broken windows
  
  
• Window locks not working
  
  
• No running water
  
  
• Refrigerator not working
  
  
• No heat when the outside temperature is below 50°F
  
  
• Declared natural disasters
  
  
• Smoke detector missing or not functioning properly
  
  
• Broken stairs
  
  

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, notify the Housing Authority immediately.

How to Report an Emergency

RHA Properties (After hours, weekends, holidays):
(815) 489-8585

Gorman-Managed Properties
(Brewington Oaks, Fairgrounds, Orton Keyes, Scattered Sites):
(800) 494-4150

Please note:
After-hour calls determined to be false or non-emergency will result in a $100.00 charge.

For Non-Emergency Work Orders

For general repairs such as minor leaks, appliance issues, or routine fixes, please submit a work order

Timely reporting helps us keep your home safe and functioning throughout the winter.

Winter can be hard on homes if small issues go unnoticed. Here are simple steps every resident can take to protect their space and avoid preventable problems:

• Do not turn the heat off during cold weather; keep your thermostat at 68°F or higher.
• Never use ovens or stoves as heat sources; they are dangerous and can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
  
  
• Prevent frozen pipes by keeping cabinet doors under sinks slightly open to allow warm air to circulate.
  
  
• Let faucets run at a slow drip during extreme cold to avoid freezing.
  
  
• Report any reduced water flow immediately.
  
  
• Close all windows tightly and lock them to prevent drafts; use curtains or blinds to help retain heat.
  
  
• Avoid placing furniture in front of heaters, radiators, or vents.
  
  
• If building rules allow space heaters, keep them at least 3 feet away from furniture or curtains, never leave them unattended, and plug them directly into a wall outlet (not a power strip).
  
  
• Keep pathways clear so maintenance can access areas quickly during emergencies.
  
  
• Do not block radiators, vents, hallways, or entryways; keep all areas free of clutter.

The Maintenance Team is committed to keeping every home safe, warm, and comfortable during the winter season. Your communication helps us respond faster and prevent small issues from turning into emergencies.

Thank you for working with us to protect your home and our entire community. Together, we can make this winter safe, warm, and worry-free.