Ice and snow doesn't stop the postal service

By Katie Bauer email | bio

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Not everyone had a snow day on Thursday, the U.S. Postal Service and other delivery companies had crews braving the streets to bring us our mail and packages.

In neighborhoods like the Highlands, you'll see the city carriers traveling by foot, and that can be tough when sidewalks and steps are virtually sheets of ice.

"You just pretty much have to march, you've got to crush through the ice and that's how you get your stability," said Henry Chasteen, who has been delivering the mail for the last four years.

Come rain or shine, snow or sleet, Chasteen will be out working and braving the elements.

"The temperatures can be really tough," said Chasteen. "I'm out here, I love it. It's all part of the job."

To get the job done, he says dressing the part is the first step.

"I got an insulted boot that's waterproof and over that I have a cleat that wraps around it," said Chasteen.

He says it can get dangerous. Houses that have staircases, but no handrail, Chasteen won't even attempt to get to the mail box.

"That's all it takes and you're down and you can be out for six months with a broken wrist," said

"The walks are too slick, it's solid ice," said Doug Boston, who lives in a Highlands neighborhood.

Boston says he knew even attempting to walk his dog was going to be tough, with the sidewalks the way they were.

"I don't envy their job, that's a tough job," said Boston.

To make his job a little easier, Chasteen says if you can, put down some salt on your sidewalks and stairs.

No matter what, postal workers will be trekking along, and Chasteen says he couldn't imagine doing anything else.

"Just be patient, we might not get there at the regular time, but we will eventually get there," said Chasteen.

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