ALERTS

ALEXANDRIA KNOLLS WEST

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

Temporary Operational Changes at AKW

As a result of the spread of the Coronavirus locally and to help protect our neighbors, our employees, and our visitors. Here are the temporary changes currently in effect as of July 5:

All residents, guests, contractors, and employees are required to wear a cloth face mask/covering while in the hallways, stairways and while going to the mailbox, retrieving packages, or otherwise transiting or about the ground floor.
The elevator sharing policy has been revised. Up to two people, not part of the same household, may share the elevator, provided both are wearing face masks/covering—correctly worn to cover the mouth and nose, and they stand at opposite diagonal corners of the elevator. The riders should not talk because research has demonstrated that talking releases droplets that can evade the protections a face mask affords and disburse the coronavirus. More than two members of the same household may share the elevator

Only one person at a time in the office.
Please limit visits to the office to retrieve packages or to conduct emergency business. Regular, ordinary business is to be conducted via BuildingLink, via email, or over the phone.

In-Unit Services Program tasks remain suspended. (Please see the notice dated May 28)

Party Room reservations are not being accepted
Board of Directors meetings are being held remotely, either telephonically or via video chat

Action Items for Residents: Keeping Safe

Additionally, here are the enhanced measures we are urging you to undertake in the interest of social distancing, keeping in mind the CDC’s definition of social distancing requires six feet between you and others. (A full definition is further down on this page and available at the CDC’s website.)

• Getting your mail and moving about the ground floor: remember that shaking hands and other regular, ordinary physical interactions can help spread the virus so please forgo handshakes and social hugs and kisses with friends

• Again, the correct social distance is SIX FEET

The CDC’s definition of social distancing: “Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. Congregate settings are crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters, stadiums."

MESSAGE ARCHIVES

GOVERNMENTAL RESOURCES

ALERTS

The alerts page provides general guidance on inclement weather and power/water outages and their impact to AKW residents. The information contained herein is complementary to local and national news media, utilities (Dominion Energy, Virginia American Water), and governmental agencies (City of Alexandria, Commonwealth of Virginia, FEMA).

INCLEMENT WEATHER

We use contractors for support during inclement weather.

Snow/Ice
Snow
- Snow-removal procedures are activated when snow accumulations reach two inches.
- Areas for snow removal include common-elements of the property: parking lots, driveways, sidewalks.
- Temporary snow storage may be required in some parking spaces, per the AKW Snow Removal Plan. Residents impacted will receive alternate parking options during this time.
Ice
- Steps and walkways will be pretreated.
- Sand is available for vehicles that may need extra tire traction; sand barrel stations are located throughout the parking areas.
- Ice-melting products will be dispensed.
Shovels are available to borrow on a first come-first serve basis. When clearing parking spaces and vehicles, avoid shoveling snow/ice into adjacent parking spaces.
Slipping/Falling
- Walk with caution and assume all areas on the pavement, steps, and sidewalk are slippery.
- Wet spots may be ice. Frozen dew/water vapor on cold surfaces can transform into an extra-thin, nearly invisible layer of ice.
- View theparkinglots,steps,andsidewalksas slippery surfaces at all times. Use stair railings, step carefully, and exercise extreme caution.
- Report slippery or slick surfaces to the Management office at 703-751-7541.
Pet Owners
Contractors are directed to use ice-melting and deicing products that are safe and non-toxic for pets (and plants). While this is specific for AKW, our neighbors and the City of Alexandria may not follow the same standards.
- Immediately clean your pet’s paws when they come back in from a walk in the wintertime.
- Use plenty of lukewarm water, then dry them.

OUTAGES (Planned & Unplanned)

There may be planned building-wide power or water shut-offs for repair and maintenance purposes. Planned outages are announced so residents can prepare. Unplanned outages are very rare, but can still occur; AKW residents should be prepared for the impact.

Power
- Elevator service will be unavailable.
- HVAC service will be unavailable.
- Trash chutes will be closed; trash compactor services will be unavailable. Bring trash bags to ground floor trash area or hold bags until power is restored.
- Water services will be available, however, the availability of hot water will be limited once the reserve is exhausted and until the power is restored.
Water
- Store extra bottled water for emergencies.
- Toilets will flush once after a water shut-off begins; use the flush wisely.
- Prior to a planned shutoff, fill up the bathtub with water for toilet flushing. Use a bucket/bowl to transport tub water to the toilet tank after each flush. Remember to only flush as necessary.
- Ensure all water faucets are in the off position until water is restored.
- Air will get trapped in the pipes. After water is restored, turn on faucets for a few minutes to release the air from the pipes. This will also clear any trapped sediment as well.