Winter Safety: Protecting Your Mailbox
Mailboxes located along county roads are generally placed within the road right-of-way to allow for mail delivery. During winter maintenance, heavy snow discharged from a snowplow can place significant pressure on mailboxes and their supports.
Residents can help reduce the likelihood of damage by inspecting and preparing their mailboxes before winter arrives.
Prepare Your Mailbox for Winter
Before the first major snowfall:
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Check the mailbox post and supports for deterioration, cracks, or loose connections.
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Make sure the mailbox is securely attached and can withstand the force of snow being pushed from the roadway.
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Confirm that the mailbox is visible and properly positioned for mail delivery.
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Remove unnecessary objects from around the mailbox.
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Place newspaper, shopping guide, and advertising tubes near the mailbox on the same side of the road.
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Keep the mailbox approach clear for mail delivery, but never push or deposit snow into the roadway.
Mailboxes weakened by age, rot, rust, or loose hardware are more likely to be damaged during winter maintenance.
Mailbox Damage
The Road Commission makes every reasonable effort to clear roads safely while avoiding roadside objects. However, mailbox damage can occur because of the force and weight of snow being discharged from a plow.
Reports of mailbox damage are reviewed individually. In accordance with Road Commission policy, limited replacement assistance may be considered when a mailbox is damaged through direct contact with Road Commission equipment.
We appreciate residents’ understanding and cooperation as our crews work to keep Bay County roads safe and passable throughout the winter.
Report a Roadway Hazard
To report a damaged or missing road sign, traffic-signal issue, or other roadway concern, call the Bay County Road Commission at 989-686-4610.
Call 911 only when the condition presents an immediate danger or emergency.
Winter Safety Information
The Bay County Road Commission is committed to working with residents for safer roads. Winter-safety information and presentations are available for schools and community groups by calling 989-686-4610.