Monroe Township Postmaster Asks Public to Keep Mailboxes Clear

When you start your ‘spring cleaning,’ don’t forget the mailbox

Monroe Twp. NJ —While you’re spring cleaning the house, don’t forget to check on your mailbox.  Neat, attractive, well-maintained mailboxes contribute to the overall appearance of the community and to the security of your mail.  After all, your letters deserve a clean, safe place to stay, too.

Here are some helpful housekeeping tips for your mailbox:

• If your mailbox is mounted on a pole or post, check its stability and make sure it is properly anchored.
• Your mailbox identifies your address, not only for the letter carrier but for the police,
  the fire department, emergency workers, other service providers and visitors to your home. We recommend that you put your address on both sides of the mailbox, and
  that the numerals and letters be at least one-inch tall.
• Check the door and its hinges. Make sure it closes properly to keep your mail in and
  the wind and rain out.
• Do you see any sharp edges or nails sticking out?  Protect your hands and those of
  your letter carrier by filing off dangerous points. Also sand and repaint or replace your mailbox if it’s rusty – you don’t want to have to get a tetanus shot, and neither does your letter carrier.

In addition, the Postmaster says that curbside mailboxes are especially troublesome when egress is blocked. Residents who receive mail delivery to curbside boxes are asked to keep the approach to and exit from their mailbox clear of vehicles, trash cans and other objects. This permits the carrier to drive up to the mailbox and deposit or collect mail without leaving the vehicle. The approach to and exit from the mailbox should be cleared sufficiently on both sides to allow the carrier to drive ahead and not be required to back up after delivery.

Extensive postal information is available online at usps.com or by calling the Postal Service’s toll free Customer Care Center at 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).