This is National Mailbox Improvement Week, and the U.S. Postal Service is asking homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes.

“Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers,” said USPS District Manager Jodi Nascimento. “The Postal Service makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. This is especially important after the effects of this past winter.”

Some activities homeowners may need to consider include:

• Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door
• Repainting a mailbox that has rusted or started to peel
• Remounting a loosened mailbox post
• Replacing or adding house numbers
• Clearing in and around the mailbox to minimize insects

“If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, they must only Postal Service-approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited service mailboxes,” Nascimento said. “Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited.”

Customers can use custom-built boxes, but should contact their local postmaster to ensure it conforms to guidelines of flag, size, strength and quality of construction.