This editorial commentary is to state, that I urge Postal Carriers to be restricted from deliveries to homes and businesses in-and-around Morrison, IL, on Wednesday, January 30, and possibly, Thursday, January 31, 2019. To do so puts these men and women in peril.
I have spent hours over the last three days, listing and updating cancellations and closures, due to life-threatening temperatures that are set for tomorrow. There was no hesitancy in the minds of MCUD#6 Schools and the Activities Director; City of Morrison; CGH Medical Center and its Clinics; Moring Disposal, Inc.; Odell Public Library; First Presbyterian Church; Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
Today, Governor Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation due to the expected dangerous temperatures of tomorrow. One reporter wrote, “Wednesday’s temperature is expected to be the coldest high temperature ever recorded on January 30 in Chicago.”
Also, CBSChicago stated, “Forecasts call for a high temperature of around 14 below zero on Wednesday, with temperatures falling to more than 20 below zero Tuesday and Wednesday night. Wind chills could be as low as 55 or 60 below zero both nights.”
What “person in charge of PO decision making” is not convinced of the threat to life and limb for Postal Carriers in Morrison? Decision makers in Whiteside County proactively took dangerous weather facts into account three days ago. They acted to protect employees and citizens.
Thecity1.com Facebook article “City Closed January 30; Moring Pickup Moved to January 31” shows ardent support for pulling the Postal Carriers from perilous, outdoor delivery.
After talking to the local acting Postmaster at about 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, I was directed to the Media contact for an official statement. At 5:40 no reply has been generated.
My viewers and I deeply are concerned.
This afternoon, I gently coerced this carrier to step inside the lobby outside thecity1.com office. She had brought one piece of mail to one-of-the-four customers who share this space, contiguous to Community State Bank. It was nonessential, ie. promotional literature. I wanted her to warm up, even though she had taken precautions for the single-digit temperature. She did not know what her work day tomorrow would include.
The left photo illustrates what dangerous conditions this Post Office carrier and others might face tomorrow, on Wednesday, January 30. I hope for prudent judgement to prevail. I wish for her to be safe at home, as I was on a recent deadly snow day.
