(UNDATED) – The U.S. Postal Service is asking all homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 17–23, said Greater Indiana District Manager Todd Hawkins.
“Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers,” Hawkins said.
The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. “This is especially important after the effects of winter.”
Some of the typical activities homeowners may need to do include:
- Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.
- Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel.
- Remounting a loosened mailbox post.
- Replacing or adding house numbers.
“If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary, or locking full/limited service mailboxes,” said Hawkins.
“Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with my office to ensure it conforms to guidelines applying to flag, size, strength, and quality of construction.”
For more information on the use of names or numbers on mailboxes or answers to any other questions, contact your local Post Office directly.
