Monday, September 21, 2026
Here’s how to create an emergency supply kit
Having these items on hand can help you deal with a disaster
To help mark National Preparedness Month in September, the Postal Service is encouraging employees to prepare or refresh their home disaster kit.
A household disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your family may need in the event of an emergency. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days.
Your kit should include:
• One gallon of water per person per day for several days;
• Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food and a manual can opener;
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and extra batteries;
• Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes;
• First-aid supplies;
• Medications and any needed medical items;
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties; and
• Cellphone with charger and a backup battery.
Consider adding copies of personal documents such as medication lists and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed or home lease, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies.
Store these items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Everyone in your household should know where the kit is kept.
The Postal Service’s Personal Preparedness Blue page and the Ready.gov website have more information.
Heroes
The customer was trapped for 24 hours
This letter carrier came to the aid of a woman who had fallen on her porch
Letter Carrier Josh Gueniot was delivering mail in Essex Junction, VT, recently when he heard a woman yelling.
The Postal Service employee saw the customer on the floor of her screened-in porch, where she had fallen 24 hours earlier and couldn’t move.
Gueniot called 911 and stayed with the customer until paramedics arrived.
The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for broken bones.
She is now recovering at home after some time in a rehabilitation facility.
“Without his assistance, the outcome could have been worse and possibly fatal,” said Postmaster Caitlin Bishop. “Josh went above and beyond.”
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Sept. 13-19
The Coast Guard Academy stamp dedication and new seasonal releases made news
Last week, Link reported on the dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Coast Guard Academy stamp, which celebrates the school’s 150th anniversary.
“I hope this stamp will serve as a reminder of how the cadets who graduate from the academy will serve with bravery and excellence and follow the Coast Guard motto: Semper Paratus — Always Ready,” said Marc McCrery, USPS customer experience vice president and dedicating official at the New London, CT, ceremony.
There is also a new USPS video about the stamp.
In other philatelic news, the Postal Service issued its latest Global Forever stamp — Winter Wreath — and Christmas Cookies, this year’s contemporary Christmas issue.
The seasonal releases arrived just in time for USPS Operation Santa, the annual letter adoption and gift-giving initiative now in its 114th year. The window to send letters to Santa opened Sept. 14; letter adoption registration starts Nov. 2, and letter adoption opens Nov. 16.
Link also told you about Hispanic Heritage Month, an observance that runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 — the unusual time frame encompasses several meaningful celebrations in Latin America; and reminded readers about the parameters for disclosing personally identifiable information and the rules for disposing aerosol cans.
Finally, in “Heroes,” Essex Junction, VT, Letter Carrier Josh Gueniot responded to yelling coming from a customer lying on her front porch, where she had fallen 24 hours before.
Gueniot called 911 and stayed with the woman until help arrived. She was treated for several broken bones.
“Without his assistance, the outcome could have been worse and possibly fatal,” said Postmaster Caitlin Bishop. “Josh went above and beyond.”
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
September 27, 2026
Datebook
‘Mission Forward: Developing Your USPS Career’
The Postal Service will hold a virtual fair for military veteran employees on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
“Mission Forward: Developing Your USPS Career” will offer attendees career development guidance and provide professional resources.
A guest speaker from the USPS Employee Assistance Program will discuss resources for veteran well-being.
Although the information will be veteran-focused, the virtual fair is open to all Postal Service employees.
Employees must register in advance. Participation is voluntary and must be off the clock.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Career Development team.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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Here’s how to create an emergency supply kit
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Heroes
The customer was trapped for 24 hours
This letter carrier came to the aid of a woman who had fallen on her porch
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Sept. 13-19
The Coast Guard Academy stamp dedication and new seasonal releases made news
-
September27Datebook
‘Mission Forward: Developing Your USPS Career’