A few words about snow plows and mailboxes
Snow Plows and Mailboxes
Regrettably, in extreme winter conditions, mailboxes can be damaged during snow removal because they are installed close to the road, in the highway right-of-way, as a courtesy to the US Postal Service. In most cases, damage to mailboxes is a result of the force of snow coming off a plow's blade. This scenario is dependent on weather conditions, amount of snowfall, and the weight of snow. Legally, the Town is not responsible for mailbox damage; however, you may call the Highway Department at (845) 338-4067 and report the damage. If it is determined that our plow (not the weight of snow, slush or ice) caused the damage, we will attempt to repair or replace it with a standard mailbox and wooden post.
United States Postal Service Mailbox Guidelines:
So what makes a good mailbox?
From the wear and tear of daily use to constant assault from the elements, these guidelines will help you set up a mailbox that stands up to it all. If you’re buying a new mailbox, look for the Postmaster General’s seal of approval; every new mailbox design should be reviewed and approved before it goes to market. If you opt to construct your own mailbox, you should run your plans by your local Postmaster. Overall, the mailbox you build will need to meet the same size, strength and quality standards as manufactured boxes. The house or apartment number should be clearly displayed on your mailbox. And if your mailbox is on a different street than your house, the street name should appear on it, too.
Placement:
Because of varying road and curb conditions, the Postal Service recommends you contact your local Postmaster for approval of the location of your mailbox before you put it up. Put a roadside mailbox where a carrier can safely reach inside without leaving the truck. That means positioning it about 41 to 45 inches off the ground and back about 6 to 8 inches from the curb. In the absence of a raised curb, contact your local Postmaster for guidance. If you are attaching the box to your house, make sure it can be accessed easily from your sidewalk, steps or porch. Because on-foot carriers often shoulder heavy bags, put your mailbox about 4 feet from the ground. That way, your carrier won’t have to stretch or bend to reach it. And remember to keep the path to your mailbox clear in inclement weather.
The Post:
If you’re mounting a curbside mailbox on a post near the street, the support should be secure and safe. The best supports are designed to bend or fall away if a vehicle hits them. The Federal Highway Administration recommends: A wooden mailbox support no bigger than 4x4 inches, a 2-inch-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, and burying your post no more than 24 inches deep so it can give way in an accident. Don’t use potentially dangerous supports, such as heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, or farm equipment (such as milk cans filled with concrete). In areas with lots of snow, we suggest a semi-arch or extended arm-type support. That way, plows will be able to sweep under without knocking it down.
Maintenance:
Your mailbox takes a serious beating from the weather, especially in the winter. We suggest a routine mailbox check-up every spring. You might just need to replace loose hinges on the door, repaint rusty or peeling parts, remount the post if it’s loose, and/or replace missing or faded house numbers. And year-round, keep obstructions away from your mailbox. Your carrier may not deliver your mail if there’s a car, shrub, snowdrift or unfriendly dog in front of it.