As we all get ready for the real possibility of snow soon, the Maine DOT is reminding folks to be mindful of their mailboxes.

There's nothing worse than coming out to check your mailbox after a storm, only to find out that the plow's been by and your box is MIA.

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According to the United States Postal Service, the guideline for the height of a curbside mailbox should be between 41 and 45 inches. So one would hope your mailbox is already good to go.

But the Maine DOT is breaking it down even further, by giving us an out-of-this-world reference for the proper proportion to protect your box from becoming plow-powder!

In a Facebook post they put out, the MDOT said this:

"Make sure your mailbox is ready by ensuring it has a height of 44-45 inches. For reference, Kenny Baker, most famous for his role as R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise, was 43 inches tall. So make sure R2-D2 has clearance and you’re good!"

Nobody wants to see a plow take out the world's, dare I say, the universe's favorite droid. So keep him in mind when you place your mailbox, or adjust accordingly, if you know it's too low.

In fact, according to the Maine.gov website, if you don't put your mailbox up correctly, and a plow does hit it and your mailbox causes damage to the vehicle, you could be on the hook for that.

"The mailbox is installed entirely at the owner’s risk.  In other words, if the mailbox incurs damage during any sort of highway operations or maintenance, the property owner is not entitled to replacement or compensation.  In fact, if the mailbox was not installed in accordance with the applicable standards as stated above, the owner may even be held liable for injuries or damages that may have been incurred as a result.

The Maine DOT operates 400 snowplows and is responsible for plowing 8,300 lane miles of road every winter.

Absolute Top 10 Necessities To Survive A Maine Winter

As the tundra begins to freeze over and as Mainers begin their seasonal refuge to the bunker, there are a few necessities needed in order to successfully make it to the other side, where the palm trees reside. 

So, take heed and pay attention to our advice, because these are the exact necessities that will ensure your survivability, mental good health, and that you’ll eventually see another summer season up to camp. 

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

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