Fall/Winter News You Can Use
- NEVER use a salt based de-icer on any asphalt or concrete paved areas. It causes pavement to decay or break and crumble. Use a non-salt based de-icer that states it is safe to use on concrete. Magnesium Chloride is the preferred melting substance since it has little effect on plants and does not damage concrete or metal.
- Check sidewalks and parking lots regularly for maintenance and report any cracks, potholes, sunken spots or problem areas.
- As part of your routine housekeeping, be sure to periodically clean leaves and debris out of gutters to allow the system of drainage to function. This keeps gutters from becoming separated from the building. Also check downspouts. If any gutters or downspouts have been hit by delivery vehicles, notify and work with the owner, the delivery companies or Postal Maintenance to have the gutters and downspouts repaired to avoid further damage to the building.
- Change and clean the filters for heating and air conditioning system regularly. Do this monthly. Dirty filters will cause heating and air conditioning bills to be higher than necessary and may contribute to system malfunction, as well as voiding the equipment warranty.
- Outside heating and air conditioning unit should always be kept clear. Do not allow snow, ice, trash, bushes, weeds, leaves or grass to accumulate on top of or around the outside unit.
- Before freezing weather arrives, outside faucets should be drained and turned off to eliminate possibility of freezing. Once the area has had its first frost, it’s time to have outside landscaping sprinkler system winterized as part of the normal Postal Service housekeeping responsibilities at the facility. Backflow value for the landscaping sprinkler must be taken off to prevent freezing of the valve this winter and subsequent repair expenses.
- Dock equipment should be checked regularly, lubricated and serviced. Weather can be hard on the moving parts of dock equipment. Sumps pumps at dock area should be kept clear of trash, grass clipping, leaves, gravel and debris so they will operate properly when needed.
- With darkness coming earlier, check operation of outside lights and make sure they all come on at dark for safety and security.
- Replace batteries in battery operated smoke detectors, emergency lights and battery backup thermostats for safety and security. When the power goes out, need to be assured these will operate as designed.
Source: AUSPL Board Member Dawn Bowman