What should a mail carrier do during severe weather?

During severe weather, the most responsible course of action for a mail carrier is to follow USPS safety protocols or cancel deliveries if conditions are unsafe. The safety of both the mail carrier and the public is paramount, and adhering to established safety protocols ensures that deliveries are made in a manner that minimizes risks associated with hazardous weather conditions.

USPS has guidelines in place for various circumstances, including severe weather, to help carriers evaluate when it is appropriate to proceed with deliveries. These protocols emphasize assessing the conditions and prioritizing personal safety. If it is determined that conditions may pose a risk—such as slippery roads, flooding, or extreme winds—suspending deliveries is the sensible choice to prevent accidents and injuries.

While seeking advice from local law enforcement or postponing deliveries could be considered in certain situations, those actions alone do not align with federal guidelines that prioritize safety and follow specific procedures. Delivering mail at all costs disregards safety and could lead to dangerous situations for the carrier and the community they serve.