From Postal Service press release:

The U.S. Postal Service is asking all homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 19- 25.

Each year, the Postal Service encourages customers to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance and function of their mailboxes. Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of the community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for carriers and customers.

The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that can occur to mailboxes through normal use every year.

Some of the typical activities that may need to be done include:

· Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.

· Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or started peeling.

· Remounting a mailbox post if loosened.

· 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 curbside mailboxes. Customers should be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of the unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with their local Post 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 Postmaster.
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