With more children at home during school closures, incidents of dog attacks on postal carriers have a tendency to increase, according to a U.S. Postal Service press release. Children rush to the door when they see a mail carrier and the household dog usually follows right behind, leaving the carrier vulnerable to a dog attack.

“As the Postal Service continues to provide an essential service, we want to make sure our carriers are safe and out of harm’s way while making their appointed rounds,” said Augustine Ruiz Jr., media contact for the Postal Service. “Pet owners are asked to wait for the carrier to leave the area before opening the door to get their mail or package. Too many dogs have slipped between an owner’s legs while the door is open and attacking the carrier. Dogs should be restrained and/or kept in another room as mail carriers make personal deliveries.”

For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.