The St. Joseph County Road Commission is asking county residents to prepare for winter by shaking their mailbox.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has officially proclaimed Saturday (October 24th) as ‘Shake Your Mailbox Day’ in Michigan.  Shake Your Mailbox Day is a joint effort on the part of the road commission and the U.S. Postal Service.

Engineer-Manager Bruce Jones said, “Many homeowners have started the practice of changing batteries in smoke detectors when clocks are changed for daylight savings time.  In the same manner, Shake Your Mailbox Day reminds homeowners of the importance of preparing their mailbox for winter.”

Jones said, “Record snow falls in recent winters have led to an increase in the number of mailboxes damaged by heavy snow thrown from passing plows.  Many of the mailboxes damaged by winter snow removal have become loose after years of use.  Damage to these posts and receptacles could have been prevented by proper routine maintenance.”

Jones said, “If you have an expensive decorative or custom-made mailbox, we suggest you replace it with an inexpensive metal mailbox for the winter.  Plastic mailboxes are not recommended, as cold temperatures cause the plastic to shatter, when it is hit by the force of heavy snow.”

Jones noted that the Board of County Road Commissioners has established a policy of reimbursing residents $25 for damages to a mailbox and/or post.  The Board also offers residents the option of picking up a standard metal mailbox and/or post (regardless of the type or size of the original mailbox) at the Road Commission office, located at 20914 M-86, Centreville. The Board’s policy limits residents to one $25 reimbursement or mailbox and/or post replacement per winter season.

Jones said, “We understand that damage to mailboxes is inconvenient to residents and we want to minimize problems this winter.  The majority of mailbox damage is caused by thrown snow.  Taking time to tighten screws and secure mail receptacles now can prevent serious headaches later.  If the mailbox moves when shaken, this is likely an indication the mailbox and/or post may not be able to withstand standard snow removal operations and should be repaired or replaced prior to the onset of winter.”

The St. Joseph County Road Commission and U.S. Postal Service are reminding residents that this is also a good time to replace loose hinges on the mailbox door and to replace or add reflective house numbers to allow postal workers and emergency responders to easily find your home.

Mailboxes are one of the only objects allowed by law to be placed in the road right-of-way. The location and construction of mailboxes must conform to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Postal Service and standards established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in “A Guide for Erecting Mailboxes on Highways.”

Jones said, “Each year we find mailboxes erected during the summer that pose a serious roadside hazard to motorists and a liability risk for homeowners.  Although milk cans filled with concrete, brick structures and other items are artistic, they present very real dangers.”

If you have questions on what is permitted or on the placement of your mailbox, please contact the road commission office at (269) 467-6393.

For additional information on this topic, click on the following link:  Shake Your Mailbox Day Fact Sheet