With Winter Storm Niko approaching, the letter carriers at Newtown Post Office are issuing a public service announcement to all residents with curbside mailboxes.

In order to ensure delivery of mail, mailboxes must be clear of snow. Clearing the mailbox allows letter carriers to deliver mail safely and without delay.

A full approach and exit to and from every mailbox is required for delivery. A 30-foot approach, and an exit area of the same measurement, is requested by the United States Postal Service.

Removing trash cans, snow, vehicles, and any other objects from the area allows letter carriers to deliver mail safely and efficiently without exiting their vehicle.

A path to mailboxes is also helpful at locations where letter carriers deliver mail by hand rather than from a vehicle. Homeowners should make sure that snowdrifts or decorations do not create obstacles.

Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, steps and overhangs before a letter carrier arrives with snow.

Reflective stickers and/or house numbers add visibility for letter carriers, as well as plow drivers, emergency vehicles, and others.