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December 29, 2009

After the Storm

Residents to clear snow for mail carriers

By Joy Hampton

December 29, 2009 — “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

While weather may not prohibit the delivery of your mail, a slippery, unsafe surface surrounding a mailbox might prevent delivery.

Despite the reputation for delivery in all types of weather, mail carriers are people, and people can fall on ice and snow and suffer injury just like the rest of us. No flying sleigh transported magically through the skies brings the mail to our doors.

USPS officials are asking residents and businesses to please clear porches, sidewalks and areas in front of mailboxes for expedient and safe delivery.

The Christmas Eve storm that swept across Oklahoma created travel issues for letter carriers, according to a released issued by the USPS on Monday. Mail delivery continued on Saturday and an unusually high volume of mail was anticipated for Monday.

“Snow and ice hazards cause numerous accidents and injuries to many people, especially letter carriers. Preventing a slip or bad fall can be as easy as putting down salt or sand on slippery surfaces,” reports USPS.

In addition to ensuring the safety of letter carriers, clearing snow and ice assures you will get your mail on time.

“Letter carriers cannot make door or curb deliveries when the approach to the mailbox is hazardous because of snow or ice. Carriers are not allowed to attempt door delivery when there is a heavy buildup of snow and ice on sidewalks, steps or porches. They are not allowed to dismount for curbline boxes blocked by snow and ice buildup. Snow must be cleared to the curbline for at least six feet on both sides of the mailbox so the carrier may approach and leave without backing up his or her vehicle,” according to the release.

Warmer temperatures that melt snow and ice, followed by a quick freeze due to rapidly dropping temperatures create a particular hazard. Walking surfaces are the primary concern “especially painted wood or concrete, such as stoops and porches.”

In reality, there is no such official USPS creed to deliver mail in snow and rain. The famous quote promising delivery no matter what the weather is taken from an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City.

This inscription is paraphrased from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus, according to USPS history available online at www.usps.com/postalhistory.

“During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.), the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great fidelity,” says the history.

Mail carriers do want to get mail delivered in a safe and timely manner whatever the weather, and residents are asked to help keep these postal employees safe as they attempt to carry out their jobs.

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