Spring/Summer News You Can Use
- Check sidewalks and parking lots regularly for needed maintenance. Report any cracks, potholes, sunken spots or problem areas. If you have grates, sump pumps or drainage pipes, make sure they are kept clear of debris, gravel, dirt and trash to avoid drainage problems. Keeping drains and grates cleaned out is a Postal responsibility.
- Routine housekeeping: Periodically clean debris out of the gutters to allow system of drainage to function. This keeps them from becoming separated from the building. Check downspouts as well. If any have been hit by delivery vehicles, gutters and downspouts must be repaired to avoid further damage to the building.
- Test air conditioning system to make sure it comes on. Hot weather means busy air conditioning companies, so service calls will be slower in summer.
- Regularly change and clean filters for heating and/or air conditioning system. This is standard housekeeping responsibility at all facilities. Dirty filters will cause heating and air conditioning bills to be high and may contribute to system malfunction, as well as voiding the equipment warranty.
- Outside heating and air conditioning unit should be kept clear, always. Do not allow trash, weeds or grass to accumulate around the outside unit.
- Dock equipment should be checked regularly, lubricated and serviced. Weather can be hard on hydraulics and moving parts of dock equipment.
- Sump pumps at the dock area should be kept clear of trash, grass clippings, leaves, gravel and debris so they will operate properly when needed.
- Look at the roof (from the ground up). Are all shingles in place? Report any cracked, curling, loose or missing shingles
- Check brick and siding for cracks, separations or missing pieces and report anything noted.
- Check corners on the building for nests – bees, hornets, or birds. Remove for safety reasons.
- Check operation of outside lights and make sure they all come on at dark.
- Make sure fire extinguishers have a fresh charge and batteries in the smoke detectors, alarm systems, emergency lights and battery backup thermostats have been replaced recently.
–Source: AUSPL Board Member Dawn Bowman