Keep Mailboxes, Walkways Clear

Residents who have postal delivery to home mailboxes are asked to assist the carriers delivering the mail by keeping boxes clean of snow and slush, that there are no objects blocking the mailbox.

Delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous condition for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes.

Residents who receive door delivery should make sure their sidewalks, steps, and porches are clear. Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice, and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips, or falls. Steps should also be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit a home. Overhangs should also be cleared of snow and ice.

Customers receiving curbside delivery should remove snow piles left by snow plows to keep access to their mailboxes clear. Snow should be cleared enough to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail, and to drive away from the box without danger or the need for backing.

The US Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort. Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day. Customers might want to consider putting their mail on hold if hazardous conditions are expected at their location for more than two days.

The collection boxes also need to be kept clear for customers to deposit their mail and for the US Postal Service to collect the mail for delivery. Residents and businesses with collection boxes near their property are also asked to keep them clear of snow and ice.

All of these precautions will not only allow timely delivery of the mail, but also keeps the job safe for those delivering the mail.