The Postal Service is marking National Dog Bite Prevention Week by offering tips, a video and other resources to help employees and customers avoid attacks.
The annual campaign, which kicked off in Brooklyn, NY, this year, is underway through Saturday, April 20.
Through newsletters, stand-up talks and other materials, USPS is offering employees several tips to protect themselves, including:
• Don’t scream if threatened by a dog. Try to remain still until the animal leaves, then back away slowly until it is out of sight.
• Never run past a dog. The animal’s natural instinct is to chase people who run.
• Keep your distance. Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s chained or confined.
• Shield yourself. If a dog is about to attack, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a satchel, backpack or a bicycle.
Additionally, USPS is providing customers with advice, including encouraging them to sign up for Informed Delivery so they’ll know when packages will be delivered and they can secure their pet accordingly.
Other customer-focused tips include using the Package Pickup app to alert the Postal Service if a dog is present at the home.
A newly updated USPS video — available on the Link site, Blue and the USPS YouTube channel — has additional tips.