Properly maintained access can help ensure timely delivery
information provided by the United States Postal Service
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT (January 8, 2018) – The Postal Service is asking customers to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, and mailboxes in order to help letter carriers deliver the mail. The rise and fall in temperatures makes for icy and sometimes dangerous conditions.
“Maintain a clear path to the mail box, so accidents can be prevented”, said Central Illinois District Manager Mark Tovey. “Preventing a slip or bad fall can be as easy as putting down salt or sand on slippery surfaces.”
Ice is particularly dangerous on steps, especially painted wood or concrete, such as stoops and porches. When there’s a warm spell, and the melting snow runs or pools, a quick freeze can make a cleared sidewalk slicker than ever.
“The Postal Service’s Central Illinois District is making a concerted effort to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping walkways, sidewalks, and approaches to mailboxes clear from snow and ice in the interest of neighborhood safety,” said Tovey. “In addition to enabling letter carriers to provide safe and timely mail delivery, clear paths also are much safer for family members and neighbors traveling to school, going to work, and shopping at nearby businesses.”
Delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carries, or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. However, said Tovey, “The Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and as a last resort. Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day.”
Blue collection boxes also need to be kept clear for customers to deposit mail and for the Postal Service to collect mail for delivery. Residents and businesses with collection boxes near their property are asked to keep them clear of snow and ice.
“We want letter carriers to be safe,” added Tovey. “We can only do this with the help of our customers.”
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
