COLUMBUS, Ohio — For some, winter weather sometimes means they can spend the day at home. But for many others, they still have to head to work, which can be particularly challenging for those who work outside.
Trent Simmons, a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for the last 25 years, said he enjoys being outside, and even more so how he makes a living.
"I've always been on the overtime list for 25 years so I can work anywhere from eight hours to 12 hours to 14 hours a day,” Simmons said.
But in bone-chilling weather like what’s made its way through central Ohio this past week, Simmons said it's all about being prepared.
"First thing you wanna do is make sure that you're warm when you first start because if you start off and you're cold in any way, all that's gonna do is get worse as the day goes along,” he said.
Simmons said layers are the best approach for postal workers during the winter months.
"The key thing is not letting your ears get cold, your fingers get cold, or your toes get cold. Those are three extremities that get cold the fastest and it's really hard to recover from your ears getting cold, your face getting cold, your fingers and your feet. So what you wanna do is make sure you put on as much insulation as you can when it comes to that,” Simmons said.
He also said he prioritizes staying hydrated. A big challenge on days like Friday is dealing with icy roads.
"There's ice up under all the roads and when you pull up to a box you slip and slide a lot, even when you're pulling away from the box you fishtail, so you have to be extra careful,” Simmons said.
When there’s snow accumulation, a big help to postal workers and delivery drivers is keeping your driveway and walkways cleared.
Simmons said his favorite part about the job is his customers because they’re always looking out for him in ways that never go unnoticed.
"In the winter time, they bring you out coffee, in the summertime, they keep me hydrated with water all the time. It feels good cause it lets you know people appreciate you,” Simmons said.
A 25-year career in this field is bound to come with some stories, and Simmons’ favorite happened on a day similar to Friday’s weather a few years back. His work van got stuck at an intersection.
"I got stuck right here, turning a corner, I kid you not, two ladies that were nurses… I was stuck, I couldn't move back, they actually pulled in here, got out their cars, and came and pushed me out,” Simmons said.
This served as a lesson about how a seemingly small gesture can go a long way, and inspire someone to pass it on.
"They knew how bad the weather was that day and they said if you can get out and try to do it, then we can help you as much as we can,” Simmons said.