The United States Postal Service is asking customers to keep snow and ice cleared from their sidewalks, stairs and mailboxes to help postal carriers deliver the mail.

“Clearing a path to your mailbox will go a long way toward keeping our carriers safe and maintaining consistent delivery service,” said USPS Spokesperson Darla Swanson.

Postal customers who receive door mail delivery should ensure their sidewalks, steps and access ways are kept safely clear of snow and ice. Customers receiving rural, curbside or centralized mailbox delivery should also pay special attention to having a safe and clear pathway to their mailbox.

If mailboxes are blocked off and conditions are too difficult, postal carriers must consider safety and accessibility first. They are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem too hazardous.