BonnerSprings.com

Letter carriers may be known for getting through regardless of the weather, but the Postal Service asks customers to make sure carriers aren't put at unnecessary risk.

"Unsafe conditions such as unshoveled snow, icy sidewalks or even snow plowed against mailboxes can slow or delay mail delivery," said Gregory Graves, manager of the U.S. Postal Service's Kansas City-based Mid-America District.

"Our employees take their jobs seriously and take pride in reporting to work - regardless of the conditions," Graves said, "but if access to the mailbox is blocked by snow or ice, we remind them that safety is paramount to delivering the mail."

Letter carriers are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem hazardous, and the Postal Service is reminding customers to keep access to the mailbox clear. "Our carriers will battle freezing temperatures, ice and snow in many parts of the Midwest," Graves said. "We urge customers to do the right thing, not just for our letter carriers, but for everyone."

Graves said customers who receive door delivery should make sure their sidewalks and steps are clear. Customers receiving curbside delivery should pay special attention to keep mailboxes clear of snow piles left by snowplows.