Daily printout: July 1

With July 4 quickly approaching, the Postal Service is reminding customers that while fireworks are a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, they are strictly prohibited in the mail system.

Fireworks of all kinds — including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles — are considered hazardous materials and are banned from all air and ground transportation through USPS because they pose a threat to safety.

“Shipping fireworks through the mail puts our employees, customers and transportation networks at serious risk,” said Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “Even small items like firecrackers or bottle rockets can cause fires, explosions or injuries if mishandled.”

To keep employees and facilities safe, the Postal Service uses a range of tools, including technology and inspection protocols, to detect nonmailable items.

Individuals caught mailing fireworks may face civil penalties, criminal charges and other consequences.

Last year, the Postal Inspection Service opened 1,700 investigations regarding customer attempts to send hazardous materials through the mail, including fireworks and other explosives.

To help ensure a safe and celebratory holiday, the Postal Service encourages customers to review the list of hazardous and restricted items before shipping any package. A full list is available in Publication 52 — Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

The Postal Inspection Service has also released a public service announcement on fireworks in the mail.

The Postal Service is reminding employees that they have a duty to protect the sanctity of the mail.

USPS delivers important items such as medications, bills, payments, gifts for loved ones and other items of value to customers who put their trust in the organization.

Each letter and package should be treated with care and respect. Letters and packages should be delivered to their destination on time and untampered with.

USPS employees who delay, destroy, steal or rifle through mail may face administrative action — including removal from employment — and criminal prosecution.

Carriers who are having trouble delivering on their assigned routes should speak with a supervisor.

Mail tampering of any kind should be reported to the USPS Office of Inspector General.

Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.

The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to beware of ransomware — software that locks access to computers or other devices until a ransom is paid.

This malware can also disable screens, lock files and delete backups.

Opening email attachments, clicking on ads or following malicious links can lead to a ransomware attack.

If you think your computer or device has been affected by ransomware, follow these steps:

• Stop using the device;

• Call the USPS Cybersecurity Operations Center at 866-877-7247; and

• Report the incident to your manager or supervisor.

Don’t use the device unless instructed to do so by the Postal Service’s Computer Incident Response Team or the IT Help Desk.

The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have more information.