Heavy snow is a challenge for letter carriers
information provided by the United States Postal Service
BEDFORD PARK, Ill. (November 26, 2018) – Monday’s heavy snow is creating a challenge for all letter carriers, but especially for those in vehicles who are trying to serve mailboxes close to the street.
“We really need help in clearing snow and ice from approaches to mailboxes near the street, so our letter carriers can deliver the mail safely,” said Central IL District Manager Tangela Bush.
Customers receiving door delivery should make sure their sidewalks, steps, and porches are clear. Customers receiving curbside delivery should remove snow piles left by snow plows to keep access to their mailboxes clear for letter carriers.
“Every year an average of 52 letter carriers of the Central IL District are injured from slipping on snow and ice while delivering their mail routes,” Bush said. “Preventing a slip or bad fall can be as easy as putting down salt or sand on slippery surfaces.”
“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,” added Bush.
Delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carries or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. “The Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and as a last resort,” says Bush. “Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day.”
