COLUMBUS (WCMH) – No matter how cold or treacherous it gets outside, plenty of people make their living being out in the elements.

That includes mail carriers, who are extra busy this time of year.

“You just have to be prepared, dress warm, layer up,” said mail carrier Ed Ralston, who’s been doing this for 25 years.

Despite working outside in the bitter cold all day, he loves his job.

“As long as you keep moving, you’re fine,” said Ralston. “When you stop, that’s when you start freezing.”

His worst enemy isn’t a dog. It’s the ice.

“The ice is really bad this time of year because of the changing temperatures. Once the snow falls, it starts to melt and you get this thick ice on the ground,” said Ralston. “I have cleats on, on my shoes. That’s the only thing that saves us really.”

If he falls, he said it’s important not to tense up.

“You just kind of let yourself go and get back up and do it again,” said Ralston. “You do a body check and make sure everything is still working and keep moving.”

He has on four layers of clothing.

“Our feet is the main thing, keep them dry,” said Ralston. “Double socks, plastic bag, whatever it takes to keep them dry.”

And no matter how freezing cold it is outside, he will fight the cold to deliver on time.

“People get the Christmas cards this time of year and presents, we always give out gifts to everybody so, it’s kind of nice to be able to be part of that,” said Ralston.

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