The Postal Service is reminding employees to watch out for children and dogs whose normal routines have changed due to lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
With many workplaces and most schools closed because of the outbreak, more customers are at home during the daytime with their kids and pets.
When driving postal vehicles in residential areas, employees should be alert and keep an eye out for children and dogs who might suddenly run into the street.
Employees should also pay attention to traffic lights, check blind spots, look both ways before moving a vehicle and come to full stop at intersections and stop signs.
Additionally, employees should watch out for youngsters who might run up to them because they don’t understand the need for social distancing, as well as toys and bikes they might leave on sidewalks and stairs, creating tripping hazards.
To protect themselves from dogs, employees who deliver mail should always carry a satchel and keep a can of repellant spray within reach at all times.
Employees should also complete warning cards for addresses with dogs on their route, verify that their Mobile Delivery Device has an active dog alert for delivery addresses with dogs, and notify a supervisor of all dog incidents.
The Postal Service can send correspondence to customers with aggressive dogs and suspend delivery to a residence if the threat of a dog attack is not resolved.
In addition to guidance regarding children and dogs, USPS has provided letter carriers and retail associates with new social distancing procedures.
The COVID-19 Blue and LiteBlue pages have more resources related to the pandemic, while the Resources for Safety and Health website has Safety Depends on Me videos and additional guidance.