Mail carriers help protect Mobile’s most vulnerable during heatwave

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – In this record heat, postmen like Carman Montgomery are more dedicated than ever.

The scorching temperatures don’t stop him from delivering mail and being there for those in his way.

“We see these customers every day,” she said. “We’re sort of building a family.”

Montgomery and postmen across America are trained to keep a watchful eye on their customers year-round, especially the elderly in this dangerous heat.

This is a program known as “Carrier Alert”. They look for uncollected mail and signs of a problem. If they need it then they will call for help and that is exactly what Montgomery had to do for someone in his path.

“She was screaming for help, I can’t get up and I was like Mrs. Teresa, are you okay? She was like no, Mrs. Carman, I can’t get up,” Montgomery said. “She had one of these alert collars, but she couldn’t access it at the time.”

Stories like this make Mobile Postmaster Paul Birge proud.

“I think it plays a vital role in our community,” he said. “We are the only face a lot of people see every day.”

Back on the road in Montgomery, she offers her usual friendly service with a smile while checking on her customers, earning her a stamp of approval.

“It’s just a very heartwarming and wonderful service and that’s the most important thing,” Felicie Gayle said.

Montgomery and other community letter carriers one delivery at a time.

“Times are tough right now,” Montgomery said. “Not everyone can afford the extra assistance from agencies and stuff like that charges them, so it’s nice that we can do stuff like that for free.”

If you are interested in being part of the program, you can call the post office to put an alert card in your mailbox.

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