Not shoveling path for oil deliverymen? That's cold

For a home heating oil deliveryman, a path to die for. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photo)

Have you ever seen this commercial?

Person 1 watching TV: Look here, it says you're supposed to shovel out nearby hydrants and your mailboxes so firefighters and postman can do their job.

Person 2: Yeah, everybody knows that. But did you know that fuel oil and propane delivery guys never get a break?

Person 1: (Looks up bewildered)

Break to image showing oil heating guy up to his chest in snow, dragging 100 feet of hose to fill homeowner's home heating oil tank and falling down never to be seen or heard of again.

If this image makes your face crease into a shy grin, that's normal. But it's not that funny to oil and propane delivery drivers who constantly have to trudge through deep snow - especially this winter - to keep their customers' homes warm.

It's pretty much a civic duty to keep hydrants clear of snow, and if you don't keep your mailbox clear, well, you won't get your mail.

But many folks aren't as responsible when it comes to digging a path to their home heating oil and propane tanks.

And I'll admit it. I've been remiss, too. I mean, after so many winters where snow barely came up to your mid-calf most of the time, it's easy.

But this winter is different.

Home heating oil and propane drivers have told me it's almost a Herculean task to drag heavy hoses through a 100 feet or more through deep snow.

One driver told me of many times trudging through waste-high snow, dragging the hose and seeing an anxious homeowner peeking from the window, wondering if he was going to complete his appointed rounds.

Of course, they always do. I mean it's their job. But imagine having to do that 30 or 35 times a day. Besides getting wet from all that snow and exhausted from dragging thick hose long distances through several feet of snow, it's just discouraging to have customers who can be so uncaring.

So, yes, clear your any nearby hydrants and, by all means, give the postal carrier a break. But don't forget the oil and propane guys.

After all, all they want to do is keep you warm. And not clearing a path for them? That just downright cold.