ALASKA – With a winter storm moving through Alaska, the Postal Service is asking customers to help keep their letter carrier safe this winter by keeping walkways, steps and porches clear of snow and ice that can lead to dangerous falls.

Our carriers deliver the mail in all kinds of weather and the safety of our employees and the communities we serve is a top priority for the Postal Service. We plan for various weather issues throughout the year including efforts to make sure employees have the necessary tools and training to do their jobs safely. The Postal Service also makes service alerts available to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Customers should check the service alerts page for specific information about impacts to their mail delivery.

Also, as information, customers are responsible for keeping the approach to their mailboxes clear of obstructions to allow safe access for delivery. In the case of the winter storm, that means the approach to curbside or house mounted mailboxes/slots should be cleared of ice and snow, which includes clearing steps, porches, sidewalks and street approaches. For curbside mailboxes, the customer should remove snow piles from around their mailbox to keep the mailbox access clear for letter carriers. Delivery service may be delayed or limited whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. Any impacted mail delivery is attempted the next business day.

Here are a few ways to help keep your carrier safe this winter:

• Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail, and to drive away from the box without danger or the need for backing.
• Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls.
• Steps should also be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer’s home.
• Overhangs should be clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.
• Leave a light on, if possible, to illuminate walkways and porches.
• Add a street address to mailboxes so they’re easier for carriers to find.

The best way to avoid injury is prevention. Please help your letter carrier provide you with the best service, as safely as possible.

###