Watertown— Have you been receiving your mail during heavy snow days? If it has been a few days since you have received your mail, it could be because of all of the snow piled up in your driveway.
There are some things you can do to ensure that you receive your mail without any problems. According to usp.com, there are specific types of mailboxes that they suggest for those who live in heavy snow areas:
“In areas with lots of snow, we suggest a semi-arch or extended arm-type support. That way, snowplows will be able to sweep under without knocking it down.”
However, if your mailbox happens to be a ways from your drive way and close to your house, then other steps need to be taken. The most important thing is to ensure that you make a clear path to your mailbox, especially during these winter months with heavy snow days. If there is not a clear path to get to your mailbox, then the postman delivering your mail will not be able to deliver your mail until there is a cleared path.
The USPS has specific requirements that folks should consider if they want to receive their mail in a timely fashion:
Customers are required as a condition of delivery to ensure that proper access is provided to mail receptacles. Proper access includes the removal of large accumulations of snow from the area around curb line receptacles and from sidewalks leading to door or other house‑mounted receptacles. Without such access, the safety of the carrier is jeopardized.
If your mail cannot be delivered because accumulated snow prevents the carrier from reaching your box, you may choose any one of the following alternatives:
· Arrange with a neighbor to receive your mail.
· Put up a suitable temporary mailbox (for example, a sturdy box).
· Meet the carrier at your box.
· Pick up your mail at the post office.
