JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Postal Service is asking all homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, from May 15–21.
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Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of the community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for mail carriers and customers. The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year.
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.
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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. Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mailboxes because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited.
Residents may use a custom-built mailbox; however, it must conform to local, state and federal laws and highway regulations. They must consult with the Postmaster or his designee 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).