OKLAHOMA – The U.S. Postal Service is asking all homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 16–22.

“Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers,” Postmaster Jo Ellen Fleming says. “The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. This is especially important after the effects of this past winter,” she adds.

Some of the typical activities homeowners may need to consider include:

• Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.

• Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel.

• Remounting a loosened mailbox post.

• Replacing or adding house numbers.

• Clearing in and around the mailbox to minimize insects.

“If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited service mailboxes,” said Fleming. “Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with their local post office to ensure it conforms to guidelines applying to flag, size, strength and quality of construction.”

For more information on the use of names or numbers on mailboxes, or answers to any other questions, please contact your local Postmaster.