Don’t Think Porch Pirates Will Stop Stealing From Mailboxes And Front Doors During This Covid-19 Pandemic
Updated 03-22-2022
In the past doctors and task force members have mentioned that this Covid 19 virus and the varients often can be contagious on envelopes and cardboard for up to 24 hours, however. Even though the CDC now believes packages or mail are unlikely to transmit the virus, some experts still recommend that mail and packages delivered to you be left outside for several hours before being touched and then wear protection before touching them. These experts are thinking of your health, not the protection of your property.
People that are prone to take from your mailbox and porch see an opportunity because of the recommendations to the public and the uptick of items being purchased and shipped online. They don’t care that it is wrong to follow delivery routes and steal, so why would they care about being outside during this pandemic.
I have some tips to help you stay healthy and keep your mailbox and packages resistant to theft.
Your first thought should be your health because property can be replaced, lives cannot. As mandates are being relaxed and more contagious variants of this disease are showing in testing, spikes are starting to show up around the world again.
I suggest mail and package deliveries be picked up from outside ASAP. Wear gloves and a mask to move them to an outside, safe place, out of sight for several hours, or open the mail or package outside and remove the contents. Leave the packaging outside. After they have been moved, throw away the gloves and either wash or throw away the mask. Wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
When your mail/package is delivered signature required, wear gloves and a mask for protection from the delivery person and equipment. Remember that every customer signing for a package uses the same device. Keep your six-foot distance. Have the signature device set down and wait for that six-foot distance before you pick it up. When signed, set it down and move back so the delivery person can have the courtesy of that same distance protection.
Track your incoming packages. Most packages have a tracking number that can be used to see where your package was last located and when you can expect it to be delivered.
www.Forsecuritysake.com always advises customers of their tracking number when their order ships.
Some companies give you an order number, but you can search on the company site to get the tracking number.
United States Postal service (USPS):
Tracking is all numbers (example: 940551189956288069000) They can be tracked using that number at USPS.com.
USPS offers a downloadable app: With the USPS Informed Delivery App, USPS will email you that you have a package coming. It will also tell you when it is out for delivery and when it has been delivered. (There is a delay between delivery and notification depending on when the mail carrier scans it.)
United Parcel Service (UPS):
UPS Tracking numbers have a mixture of numbers and letters. Normally there is a Z in the second position example: (1Z999AA10123456784) These can be tracked at UPS.com.
UPS offers a downloadable app: track packages, find UPS locations, and much more with the UPS Mobile app.
FedEx:
The most common tracking number format is 12 digits (e.g. 9999 9999 9999) or 15 digits (e.g. 9999 9999 9999 999). Some other less common formats may also exist, such as 20 digits and 22 digits. There may be no spaces between numbers FedEx offers a mobile app: Create a shipping label, track shipment status and manage your packages wherever you are with the FedEx Mobile app.
For those that can’t be at home or move their packages when delivered, a mail center store can be the answer. For a monthly or yearly fee, they accept mail and packages from any carrier and will hold it without extra charge for several days. A mailbox with a key is usually included in the price.
Our mission at ForSecuritySake.com is to help you be safer and more secure in your daily lives.
Stay healthy and safe during this historic time in American History.
