ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Yoopers are still enjoying the colors of fall, but it won’t be long before snow begins to fly. Escanaba City officials are advising homeowners to be proactive in protecting their property.
The Public Works Department is promoting the “Shake Your Mailbox” initiative. Department Director Kent DuBord says if the mailbox or post moves when shaken, it’s a good idea to tighten the screws and make sure the post is secure.
“Typically, the plows are far enough away from the mailboxes, but the snow and the aftermath of the effects from the snow can cause damage to the mailboxes,” DuBord explained.
He says the force of snow thrown from a plow truck can even knock a mailbox off of its post. Public Works is only able to replace a mailbox directly damaged by a plow truck.
“If it is at fault of one of our drivers from one of our blades, we’ll bring out a temporary mailbox to get through the winter and the City will address the issue in the springtime,” said DuBord. “If it is because of snow, it is on the residents. That’s why we ask residents to take care of their mailbox now, because the last thing that any of us would want would be for residents to have to put a new mailbox up in the frigid temperatures in the wintertime while it’s snowing outside.”
Additionally, DuBord recommends following United States Postal Service (USPS) guidelines, which state that the bottom of a mailbox should be 41″ – 45″ above the road. According to USPS, mailboxes should also be 6″ – 8″ away from the curb.
For more on the “Shake Your Mailbox” initiative from Public Works, click here. Visit usps.com to see other USPS guidelines for mailboxes.
