Was Your Mailbox Damaged By A Plow? Here's What To Do, In Bethel

BETHEL, CT —If, following a snowstorm, your mailbox or the post upon which it sits is damaged, it's probably the result of improper installation or maintenance, according to the Town's new mailbox replacement policy.

"A properly installed and maintained mailbox will withstand the snow removal operations that occur during the winter months," the notice on the Town website reads. The Town reckons that it is very uncommon that a mailbox is directly contacted with snow removal equipment. The average number of mailboxes that receive direct contact from snow removal equipment during a snow storm is less than one percent, according to the notice.

When a mailbox or post is damaged by direct contact from the Town's snow removal equipment, the following will occur:

• Inspection of mailbox and post to determine cause of damage.
• Inspector will determine who is at fault (improper installation of mailbox, or plow operator error).
• Following investigation, the mailbox or post will be repaired or replaced if the plow operator is at fault.
• Decorator mailboxes and posts that receive direct contact from snow removal equipment will be replaced with a standard mailbox and post.

The Public Works Department will assist elderly or impaired property owners with repairing damage to their mailbox or post.

The Town has provided the following guidelines for proper mailbox installation:

• Front of mailbox must be 12 inches minimum 18 inches maximum from curb line or edge of roadway.
• Bottom of mailbox must be 40 to 44 inches above roadway elevation.
• Post should be constructed of pressure treated wood, 4 inch by 4 inch minimum post size.
• #8 minimum size screws that are weather resistant should be used during assembly of mailbox and post (Do not use nails).

The proper installation and maintenance of mailbox and post will help to prevent damage during snow removal operations.