Spring is Finally in the Air
Spring is here, and with the change of weather comes old familiar hazards like DOGS! Man’s best friend has been lying around all winter like us, just waiting to get out of the house. Well, the time has come. This is just a reminder for you to beware. Always carry your dog spray. You can never have enough. Carry one on your satchel, and one on your person.
First and foremost, regular Carriers should make sure that all dog warning cards are cased in with the mail. It is your responsibility to let replacement Carriers know of any possible dog presence on the routes. Even if the regular Carrier is doing the route, these cards should be racked in. One never knows when one will get sick, or an emergency arises. Be prepared to alert an unsuspecting relief.
Beware and take heed of closed gates. Make sure you rattle them before entering a yard. Look out for dog toys lying around in the yards. A dog may be close by.
Beware of giving children the mail. If the family has a dog, this may be perceived by the dog as a threat on the child. Just put the mail in the mailbox. Also, when going up to the house to drop off mail, parcels, or an accountable, if the front door is open beware, and approach with caution. If there is a screen door, block it with your foot in case there is a dog inside. This action could prevent the dog from busting through the screen door and attacking.
When a dog approaches, stop and pay attention. Do not run; but back away from the dog while keeping the dog in your sight. Wearing your satchel, even empty, is your best line of defense by keeping it between you and the dog. Have the dog repellent ready, also. Remember, all dogs even when you know them, are to be considered a hazard. If you have to flag the mail on a particular block, then do so. You are more important. Don’t put your safety at risk.
If you do have an encounter with a dog, call your supervisor immediately, when it is safe to do so. Upon returning to the office, sign and complete a complaint form for animal control. Request a letter be issued to the owner of the dog, or at least try to find out the house which the dog belongs to. Mail should be curtailed until the situation is under control and the dog is restrained. This is your call! If you don’t feel safe, don’t deliver! Let Management go out and visit the house to investigate the problem. Maybe, they will get an opportunity to meet that dog.
Most important, if you get bit by a dog, no matter how minor, report it immediately to Management. If you require no medical treatment, that will be your call, but report it. Why go through the trauma of dealing with a dog bite and being written up for not reporting it in a timely manner.
Stay safe; enjoy the weather finally, and Beware of the dogs!
