SOUTH FLORIDA – The U.S. Postal Service is asking all South Florida homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21–27.

The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of South Florida communities and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for postal carriers and customers. Some typical activities homeowners may need to do 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.

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. 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.