You’ve got mail: Here’s why you need to shake your mailbox this fall

You raked your leaves, stored your lawn mower and dusted off the snow blower. You’re ready for winter, right? Not so fast. It’s time to shake it up. Shake what?

Go ahead. Shake your mailbox. You’re looking for any loose screws or cracks in the post, but most of all, you want to make sure the mailbox doesn’t budge when you give it a good shake.

Shaking your mailbox in the fall reduces the chances of it being knocked over by the force of snow from snowplows. Remember, you’re responsible if your mailbox falls over from thrown snow.

If your mailbox is damaged, worn out or wiggly in the soil, it’s time for a repair or a replacement before winter hits.