USPS has suspended service at several facilities in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the devastating storm that is causing historic flooding across Texas and Louisiana.
Dozens of Post Offices have been affected by Harvey, which made landfall Aug. 25 and was later downgraded to a tropical storm. Some facilities where service was suspended during the weekend have since reopened, after it was deemed safe to do so.
The storm has dumped more than 2 feet of rain in some areas, and another 40-50 inches could fall this week. Federal officials predict the storm will drive 30,000 people into shelters and prompt 450,000 people to seek disaster relief.
“Our employees are making every effort to serve all of our customers affected by this storm,” said Southern Area VP Shaun Mossman. “We will continue to deliver mail and packages where we can, but the safety of our employees always comes first.”
USPS has posted messages on social media to provide displaced customers with guidance on requesting a temporary change of address. The organization is also contacting shelters to help reconnect storm victims with their mail.
The Postal Service is advising employees in the affected areas to call the USPS national emergency hotline at 888-363-7462 to report their condition and check for changes in their scheduled work reporting status.
The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund and Employee Assistance Program are available to help employees who are affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
Customers who have questions about mail delivery should check the online USPS Service Alerts page. The Postal Service’s news release also has information.
