According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), nearly 5,900 letter carriers were attacked by dogs in 2012. More than 4.7 million Americans annually are bitten by dogs — half of whom are children.
To help carriers avoid dog attacks, USPS offers the following tips:
• Observe the area. Take a quick glance at common places a dog may be. Check underneath parked cars, hedges or porches.
• Don’t startle a dog. If it’s asleep, make a non-startling noise, such as soft whistling. Call its name if you know it. Do this before you are close to the dog, while you still have time and space for an escape.
• Never reach out and pet a dog.
• Never assume a dog won’t bite. Familiarity with a dog is no guarantee it won’t bite.
• Protect yourself; don’t assume it’s friendly today because it has been in the past.
• Keep your eyes on dogs. They are more likely to bite when you’re not looking.
• Stand your ground. If a dog comes toward you, turn and face it. Hold something in front of you if available and back slowly away.
• Never turn and run.
• Have at least one full can of dog repellent spray with you.
• Use warning letters as needed to let owners know there’s a possibility of mail delivery suspension if their dogs aren’t restrained.
No comments:
Post a Comment