BALTIMORE, MD — The recent snowstorm that blanketed the area has created challenges in communities throughout Virginia including routine delivery of the mail. The Postal Service is asking for the public’s help in keeping walkways and curbside mailboxes clear of snow and ice to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of mail.

Mounds of snow and patches of ice in front of mailboxes create havoc for carriers trying to safely deliver the mail. Residents maintaining a clear path to the mailbox — including steps, porches, walkways and street approach — will help postal carriers maintain consistent delivery service. Customers receiving curbside delivery should also ensure clear access to their mailboxes for letter carriers who deliver from the street.

Postal employees make every reasonable effort to deliver mail in many difficult weather conditions. However, delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. The  U. S. Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort. If mail is curtailed, delivery is attempted the next delivery day.

Your help in this regard is deeply appreciated by your letter carrier and all the many men and women who work together to make sure you receive the best possible mail delivery.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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