(Dec. 2013) Preparations for the Postal Service’s holiday mail season always include the likelihood of snow during the peak delivery days, notes Luke Grossmann, the Postal Service’s District Manager in the Albany District. While a festive sign of the season, snow can pose serious hazards to letter carriers.
Especially when considering that this year’s busiest mailing day is projected to be Monday, Dec. 16 and the busiest delivery day is Wednesday, Dec. 18.
“On Monday, Dec. 16, the number of cards and letters that go through America’s post offices may reach as many as 607 million pieces,” the district manager said. “Two days later, letter carriers undertake what is generally known as our busiest delivery day as we get those cards and packages into homes all around the country. Unfortunately, the weather is not always cooperative.
“Winter walking and driving are never easy, especially when days are at their darkest and the carriers are delivering more than usual,” Grossmann said. “We remind residents to watch for letter carriers on foot and slow-moving postal vehicles particularly during the winter months.”
“Of course, the main spots to be concerned about are right at your house where letter carriers, newspaper carriers, meter readers and even delivery personnel from a florist or pizza shop may come by. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you clear the snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, porches and steps to help prevent falls.”
For mailboxes at the curb, Grossmann requests that snow and ice be removed regularly for safe access to the box by the carrier and uninterrupted delivery.
And what about icicles?
Grossmann prefers colorful, lighted ones hanging outside a home. “Don’t ignore icicles on snowy overhangs,” he warned. “Real icicles can be beautiful but they can be deadly.”