How To Make Sure Your Mailbox Is Ready For A Michigan Winter

Winter arrived early this year, but since then, we've been back to normal for an early winter here in West Michigan. But the early snowfall was a perfect reminder that winter is coming, and that now is the time to be prepared. I've already pulled out my trusty ice scraper and windshield cover.

But there is one thing that is largely overlooked until you wake up one more time to see it lying sadly on the front lawn: your mailbox. It's fascinating to see how each Michigander has chosen to protect or reinforce their mailbox, whether that means building a barrier around it or leaving it on the ground for the cold months.

Thankfully, the Kent County Road Commission put out a video a few years back that continues to be a trusty source of information and preparation.

Shake That Post

While shaking the post in an NFL game will get you a fine, shaking your mailbox is a great way to test its initial studiness. If you can feel or see the post shaking in its foundation, it requires serious attention, or it will be the victim of a snowplow or a snowy day..

Invest in a Snow Shield

If you're in an area where a plow is consistently battering your mailbox, Jerry Nyrne with the Kent County Road Commission recommends installing a snow shield that is meant to take the brunt of any blow that could come from that plow. Remember, a snowplow rarely hits a mailbox; rather, it's the snow being moved.