US Postal Service provides tips for making deliveries safe for mail carriers

(KION) The US Postal Service is reminding everyone to keep hazards away from paths to help mail carriers and other Postal Service employees stay safe, especially as we approach the holiday season.

In addition to making sure there is a clear path to the door, the USPS is asking people to avoid over-packing boxes, sending restricted items and removing replaceable batteries next to devices.

“Safety is important no matter the time of year. But even the most safety-conscious person could forget simple, quick safety checks during the hustle and bustle that is the holiday season,” said USPS Occupational Safety and Health Senior Director Linda DeCarlo. “Try to set aside a few minutes each day to look for, and correct, potential hazards in and around your home. Those few minutes could be the difference between a happy holiday or an unhappy one.”

If you live in an area that gets ice or snow, the USPS suggests clearing it around sidewalks, driveways and mailboxes. They also ask that you salt the cleared areas to keep them from refreezing.

Pets can also be a hazard to USPS employees. The agency reports that more than 5,800 of its employees were attacked by dogs last year.

To maintain safety, the USPS suggests having your dog in a separate room away from the front door and avoiding taking mail directly from carriers when pets are around. If a mail carrier feels threatened by an animal or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the pet owner may have to pick up mail at the Post Office until the carrier is sure that the pet is restrained. If a dog is roaming the neighborhood, neighbors may also be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office.