Spring has Arrived!
God I love Creative Commons images…
Yes! Winter seems to have given us a pass and it’s on to gorgeous weather and sunshine. As I write this there’s no snow or cold in the forecast, but we know that doesn’t mean anything where our branch is. Spring is bringing with it lots of, well, Spring-ness. Here’s some key tips that have come from the membership to help you navigate the season.
Allergies
It’s hitting hard quick and there are lots of allergens out there, not just the plant life. Bees and wasps are getting ready to get out in force, so if you have any allergies to them keep an Epipen handy, or some other emergency response kit. It’s something you don’t think about until it’s too late, so please, if this is you, prepare just in case. I think everyone remembers their fix mailbox full of wasps, haha! Don’t get caught unprepared!
Dogs
I love to pet a good doggo out there as much as the next person, but there’s enough horror stories to keep you on edge about dogs on the route. People let their dogs out with a lot more cavalier attitude when the weather is nice, and that can put you at risk. Make sure to carry your satchel and dog spray with you on walking loops and when dismounting. #1, those are some tools that can help keep you safe in the event of a dog attack. #2, in the event you are attacked by a dog the first thing the Service will try to do is deflect blame from themselves and put it on you; if you have your satchel and spray on you it covers your butt. Anyone who’s worked at USPS for a few months knows how important C.Y.A is, so do that!
When delivering parcels beware of residents who might accidentally let their dogs out. if you know it’s a potential issue, just notify the parcel and don’t put yourself in harm’s way. If you see a loose dog on a block skip that block, let management know of the loose dog, and fill out a PS From 1517 for curtailment of mail so you don’t get in trouble for bringing mail back.
Storms
Severe weather comes in the springtime from shearing winds, oppressive rain, and daunting lightning; knowing what to do can help keep you safe out on your route in adverse conditions. When lightning is overhead take cover! Let management know you’re taking cover and will resume delivery when the lightning has abated. Normally it doesn’t take long, so no big deal, but communication about that is key to cover your… butt. In tornadoes you should seek sturdy shelter, the stuff we already know living in this area. You need to do what’s safe for you, so don't worry about deviating from your route or showing up on some report somewhere, just get to safety. Check on your fellow carriers out there too and make sure they’re good.
Rain sucks. Make sure you’ve got good gear! It’s expensive through the allowance, so if you don’t have enough to cover it you can get lightweight rain gear at Bass Pro, along with some waterproof shoes too. I carry an umbrella out on the route in heavy rain, and I know many others do too. Practice with it if you like, it might take a couple loops to get the hang of but it’s the absolute best. Staying warm and dry can help you from getting sick, so really invest in staying comfortable out there. Did you know there are boot driers at Bass Pro? My in-laws bought me one for Christmas a few years ago and it’s just about my favorite thing: it dries out my shoes without using much electricity, heating up the house, or separating the sole of the shoe.
Got any other tips?
These are the ones that were discussed at the last Union meeting with our safety captain and other carriers. If you have good tips for the newer folks in your office, share it with them! People don’t know what they don’t know, so if you can shed light on something they didn’t think about you can help them stay safe and have a good day on the route.
Thanks for the read, stay tuned for more updates!