A Postal View of Katrina

We've heard about the devestation. We've heard about anybody and everybody screwing up in the relief effort. We've heard about how much time and money it's going to take to rebuild. What you may not have heard, thought, or even cared about is "how are they going to get their mail?"

As much as I hate my job (and believe me, I do), people depend on the mail. Not only is it a way for people to get their checks, cards, and feel connected to the outside world, it gives those involved in tragedy a sense of normalcy. Looking back at 9/11 and the ensuing anthrax scare, when mail delivery resumed in the affected areas, people finally thought that life was returning to normal. The Postal Service has done it's best over the past few weeks to try and help return to normal...or as much as possible.

About 500 Post Offices had to be closed as a result of the hurricane. Some were flooded, some were destroyed. Of these, 425 offices have been reopened completely and another 60 are offering partial services. Mail delivery is still restricted in the hardest hit areas, and third class (junk) mail is not being accepted from mailers for these areas.

Displaced residents are asked to fill out change of address cards so their mail can follow them to wherever they have relocated to. To date, the Postal Service estimates that more than 126,000 changes have been filed. For those relocated to the Houston Astrodome, the Postal Service has temporarily assigned it a ZIP code (77230) for general delivery. USPS is working on assigning ZIP codes to other temporary shelters. Postal employees at the Astrodome and other shelters are helping people with the change of address forms and with the delivery of mail.

As for employees that have been displaced, unions and management are working to find temporary positions for those that want it in the area that they have relocated to. Also, the previously established Postal Workers Relief Fund is helping those that are out of a paycheck because of the hurricane.

Just a look at something you may not have thought about.