WATERTOWN, NY — The Postal Service is reaching out to communities throughout Upstate New York to raise public awareness of the importance about keeping walkways, sidewalks, and approaches to mailboxes clear from snow and ice so carriers can provide safe and timely mail delivery.

The Postal Service is issuing the following snow removal tips:

• Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver mail, and to drive away without the need for backing or departing the vehicle.
• Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice, allowing enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls.
• Steps and handrails should be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair to avoid injury to letter carriers or others.
• Overhangs should be free of snow and ice as well to reduce the risk of falling debris.

Residents who receive mail delivery to a roadside mailbox must also keep the approach and departure from the mailbox free of other obstacles, like trash cans and vehicles. Carriers should be able to approach, serve and depart the mailbox without having to leave the vehicle or back up.

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 Customer Service at the bottom of the Postal Service’s USPS.com homepage.

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