
Fireworks are fun, but they don’t belong in the mail
USPS issues a reminder to the public ahead of Independence Day
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.

Protecting the mail is job No. 1
Employees should never steal, delay or destroy letters and packages
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.

Do you know what to do if attacked by ransomware?
This kind of malware can lock down USPS computers, devices
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.
Memories from the great green room
A reader praises the new Goodnight Moon stamp video
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‘Commuter Benefits’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn about the organization’s commuter benefits program, including how to set aside as much as $325 each month on a pretax basis for commuting costs.
The session, “Commuter Benefits,” will be held Tuesday, July 8, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Edenred, which administers commuter benefits for USPS, will lead the discussion.
The Zoom link and passcode are available on the MyHR website on the Wellness Webinars page. No registration is required.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
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Fireworks are fun, but they don’t belong in the mail
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Protecting the mail is job No. 1
Employees should never steal, delay or destroy letters and packages
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Do you know what to do if attacked by ransomware?
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Featured reader quote
“I’m sure folks who remember having someone read ‘Goodnight Moon’ to them as children will be touched by the Postal Service’s new video promoting its new Goodnight Moon...”
— Kristy Stanley, Little Rock, AR
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‘Commuter Benefits’