NORTH CAROLINA – Safety is a top priority for the Postal Service, and we will make every safe, reasonable effort to deliver mail. We ask customers for their support and assistance to keep our carriers safe. If there is snow or ice accumulation, customers should clear areas around mailboxes, walkways and stairs so carriers can safely deliver mail and packages.

Employees are not required to deliver to locations where safety issues — such as icy steps, snow-packed paths or icy overhangs — create unsafe conditions. Please keep in mind that residential mailboxes should also be included as part of any snow and ice removal routine.

Here are a few tips that never go out of season:

• Painted porches and steps are particularly hazardous. While salting or using rubber-backed mats may help make them less slippery, it’s essential to clear snow before a carrier arrives with mail.
• Customers must remove obstructions around a mailbox. If you have a mailbox at the road, keep it clear of packed snow in a half-moon shape to give the carrier full visibility. Clearing the mailbox allows your letter carrier to deliver mail safely and without delay.

Post Offices are expected to remain open to serve customers.

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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