USPS Issues Alert For Illinois Residents To Check Their Mailbox

While you're taking care of your lawn, it's not a bad idea to take a look at your mailbox either.

Whether you stop by the mailbox every day or if you tend to forget to check your mail daily like I do, it's easy to overlook some parts of your mailbox.

The USPS is asking residents across the Midwest to check your mailbox soon, as this week is National Mailbox Improvement Week.

They're asking that you "inspect, maintain, and upgrade" your mailbox if you have to. Think about it: there are a lot of important things delivered through the mail and stuff could happen to it if your mailbox is rusted out or doesn't close. Mailboxes sit outside all year long so they're exposed to the elements.

Mailbox Care Tips

The USPS has some suggestions on what to look for to make sure your mailbox is good to go, including the hinges, condition of the metal, faded house numbers, or a wonky post:

• 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

They suggest getting yourself a mailbox that can hold small packages, which can help protect them from the weather. USPS's Carrier Program can help you get a mailbox that can hold larger packages for free.

To keep your mail safe, the USPS says you should check your mail on a daily basis and report any mailbox tampering you see to the Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455.