January is underway, and for much of the country that means
snow is likely in the future. Parts of the country have already had snowstorms
this year. You may be distracted by the idea of clearing your car of snow,
getting to work in traffic, and keeping your driveway clear, but don’t forget
about your local letter carrier!
Letter carriers brave the elements all year to make sure
you have your letters and packages. In spring this often means rain, in summer
it often means hot temperatures, and in fall it means cooling ones. Arguably
the toughest time of the year for letter carriers is winter. During winter they
brave snow, harsh winds, and freezing temperatures. Do your part to make this a
little easier on them by clearing snow and ice around your home.
There are some very simple steps you can take to do this:
·
Shovel your sidewalks, not just a path from your
door to the street. Letter carrier’s travel along the sidewalk, so even if a
path is clear to your door it’s only polite to clear the entire sidewalk.
·
Shovel your stairs. This is important not only
for letter carriers, but for anyone who may come to your door during winter.
·
Shovel the area around your mailbox. Don’t make
your letter carrier stretch to reach the mailbox or step in snow to deliver
your mail. Be sure there is a decently sized area around your mailbox shoveled
out.
·
If your sidewalks are icy use salt. Letter
carriers can easily fall and get hurt due to ice, especially if it is covered
by a layer of snow. Not only that, but you and your neighbors could be harmed
as well.
·
Individuals who have mailboxes at their door
should keep railings on stairs clear of snow and ice.
·
Be sure your mailbox is secure on its post to
reduce the risk of damage from a snowplow.
·
If snow is plowed into your mailbox clear it
away promptly.
If streets or walkways are too dangerous mail delivery might
be delayed or curtailed. This may happen on occasion due to inclement weather,
but may also happen if people do not do their part to keep streets and
mailboxes clear.
Blue collection boxes must meet those same standards, and
the USPS asks that those are kept clear of snow and ice as well.
If you have further questions about mail delivery and snow
conditions, the USPS site has a Q&A HERE.
