Postmaster reminds residents to clear a path

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:35

Hillsboro Postmaster Becky Larsen is reminding postal customers to clear and maintain a safe, accessible path to mailboxes as soon as possible after it snows.

“Winter storms make mail delivery very challenging for our letter carriers,” she said. “Clearing a path will go a long way toward keeping postal employees safe and ensuring mail delivery each day.”

Postal customers who receive door mail delivery should ensure their sidewalks, steps and access ways are kept clear of ice and snow, she said.

“Customers receiving street-side mailbox or centralized cluster neighborhood mailbox delivery should also pay special attention to a safe and clear pathway,” Larsen said.

Hillsboro letter carriers, who each make an average of about 700 deliveries daily, will continue to do their best to deliver the mail, she said, but when mailboxes and approaches to mailboxes are buried in snow and ice it can make it difficult for carriers.

“If mailboxes are blocked off and conditions are too difficult,” she said, “carriers must consider safety and accessibility first. They are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem too hazardous.”

Icy conditions are expected in the Hillsboro area Saturday, Jan. 12, according to information from the National Weather Service office in Wichita.

One seasonal tool that letter carriers and other customers and families will appreciate is the snow shovel.

“We greatly appreciate your support in this effort,” Larsen said, “and your carrier will thank you, too.”