Not Much Stops Carriers From Rounds

It’s “Snow Surprise Walks and Drives Should Be Cleared for Mail Delivery

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The first snowfall of the year serves as an annual reminder that there aren’t many things that will stop a letter carrier from completing his or her appointed rounds. But an injury caused by ice and snow-covered walks and approaches is one of them.

Fortunately, that is easily prevented when customers keep a few simple things in mind.

“We really appreciate when people clear the path to their mailbox,” said Al Eakle. A spokesman for the Greater Indiana District of the U.S. Postal Service. “Whether their letter carrier delivers on foot or from their vehicle, it’s much safer and quicker for them when customers shovel snow and de-ice walkways.”

According to Eakle, customers should check the area surrounding their mailbox daily to be sure no ice has built up. Just because there is only a dusting of snow doesn’t mean that there isn’t a hazard lurking underneath the powder.

“Many times there is a patch of ice under the snowy spot,” said Eakle. “The carrier can’t see it and could slip.”

For roadside boxes, customers should clear any piles created by snow plows that make it difficult for a carrier to reach the box from the delivery vehicle. This is a problem especially as the winter season wears on.

“Each time it snows the pile from the plows get bigger and eventually it prevents the delivery vehicle from pulling up alongside the box,” said Eakle. “Then, it turns to ice and is very difficult to remove.”

He suggests a quick shovel after every snowfall to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery.

“We know how much people look forward to receiving their mail, and we want to deliver it safely all through the winter,” said Eakle.