The current bitter blast of cold weather has been taking a toll on people who have to work outside in frigid conditions.

Connecticut mail carriers brave the weather to make sure mail gets delivered, and they say it's all about preparation.

Gino Mattera, a mail carrier in Stamford, says for almost two weeks now he has had to wear several layers of clothing just to do his job. He says this is one of the coldest stretches he can remember, but it's part of the job.

"This is what I signed up for," Mattera says. "I've been doing this for 16 years, and you have good years and you have bad years."

MORE: Forecast details from News 12 Connecticut

The Postal Service wants its carriers to be safe in the cold and warns that frostbite can set in after only 15 minutes out in temperatures below 32 degrees.