Postal service asks customers to clear snow
The heavy snows in the Central Plains are 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 from approaches to mailboxes near the street, so our letter carriers can maneuver their vehicles in and out more efficiently," said Joleen Baxa, USPS district manager in the Central Plains. "On average our letter carriers make more than 600 deliveries a day, so an extra 20-30 seconds or more at each stop can really add up."
Central Plains letter carriers will continue to do their best to deliver the mail, according to Baxa, but when mailboxes and approaches to mailboxes are buried in snow and ice, it can make it difficult for letter carriers to deliver mail safely. Unsafe conditions such as unshoveled snow, icy sidewalks, or large amounts of snow blocking mailboxes can delay or even prevent mail delivery.
Postal customers who receive door mail delivery should ensure their sidewalks, steps, and access ways are kept safely clear of sow and ice. Customers receiving street-side mailbox or centralized cluster neighborhood mailbox delivery should also pay special attention to having a safe and clear pathway to their mailbox.
If access is not safe, mailboxes are blocked and streets are impassable, letter carriers must consider safety and accessibility first. They are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem too hazardous.
"We greatly appreciate the support of our customers in this endeavor," said Baxa. "Your letter carrier will thank you."
