QUEENS, NY — It takes more than a few flakes to deter letter carriers from making their appointed rounds throughout Queens. “But, if they cannot reach your mailbox, they cannot deliver your mail,” said District Manager Frank Calabrese. “The Postal Service treats safety and service with equal priority,” Calabrese said. “That’s why we remind you to include that mailbox in your snow removal routine.”

Letter carriers are on the front line of severe weather conditions. Doorstep deliveries, painted porches and steps quickly grow hazardous. “While salting and rubber-backed mats help, we rely on you to clear the snow,” added Calabrese. “If there’s a warm spell, and the melting snow puddles, a quick freeze can make a sidewalk slick again.”

Residents who receive delivery to roadside mailboxes also must keep the approach to, and exit from, the mailbox clear of snow or any other obstacles, like trash cans and other vehicles. “The carrier needs to get in, and then out, without leaving the vehicle or backing up,” said Calabrese. “The area near the mailbox should be cleared in a half-moon shape to give the carrier full visibility.”

“Please watch for slow-moving postal vehicles, carriers on foot, and children that play near mailboxes or snowbanks,” he said. “And don’t zip by neighbors who are clearing mailboxes or collecting their mail. Let’s all stay safe.”

With mail order prescription medicines, retirement and other important supplemental income checks entering the mail stream on the first week of the month, postal employees recognize the added importance of making every reasonable effort to deliver mail in many difficult weather conditions. However, delivery service may be affected whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against curbside mailboxes.

Customers with questions or comments about their mail service can call toll-free 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or send an email to the Postal Service by clicking on contact us at the bottom of the Postal Service’s USPS.com homepage and follow the email prompts.

The Postal Service generally 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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