Mailbox Improvement Week is May 17- 23

Howe Postmaster LeAndra Beckemeyer is asking all Howe homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 17–23.  “Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers”, Beckemeyer says.

The Postal Service^TM makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. “This is especially important because of the effects of the summer and winter weather we had this past year,” she adds.

Some of the typical activities that 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.
• Clearing out spider/wasp nests or overhanging foliage that attracts bees.

“If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he/she must use Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited service mailboxes,” said Beckemeyer. “Customers should be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited”.

Customers may use a custom-built mailbox; however, it must conform to local, state, federal laws, and highway regulations.  Customers must consult with the Postmaster at 903.532.5431 to ensure the mailbox is consistent with guidelines applying to flag, size, strength, and quality of construction, and to ensure there are no violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”