The Postal Service must occasionally order an emergency suspension of service at a postal facility. The most common occurrences which justify such an emergency suspension are when a post office is not tenantable because of storm damage and/or unsafe health or safety conditions, such as those involving the presence of toxic mold or asbestos.
When a facility is the subject of such an emergency suspension, the Postal Service conducts a public meeting in the community. In the case of a proposed suspension due to storm damage, the community meeting is scheduled shortly after access to the area is again available. For emergencies arising from storms and similar natural occurrences, each facility will have a plan for providing alternate service. In a case in which a facility has become unsafe (e.g., due to the presence of mold or asbestos), the facility and possible alternatives must be evaluated by professionals before a plan can be made.
The Postal Service will deliver mail to the community; however, the mail may be delayed because of storms or the inability to get to a community because of road damage. While the facility is closed, the Postal Service and the lessor will both need to determine the amount of damage to the improvements. Each suspension case is different and the outcome will vary.
Contributed by:
Karen J. Delamore, DRE Consulting
303-917-8810 or email kj.delamore@comcast.net