Storm disrupts service in Southwest and Southeast areas

IN KATRINA’s WAKE

Storm disrupts service in Southwest and Southeast areas

Postal officials in the Southwest and Southeast areas continue to assess the impact of Hurricane Katrina on postal operations in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Many roads and most airports in the areas most heavily affected by the storms remain closed. Because of the inaccessibility of some areas, a full determination of Katrina’s long-term service impacts has not been completed. But every effort is being made to restore retail and delivery service where possible and where it can be done safely.

The safety of our employees remains the number one priority and efforts remain underway in each district to contact all affected employees. Employee Assistance Program counselors are standing by to assist employees in hurricane-ravaged locations as soon as conditions permit their entry into those areas.

With a number of key processing facilities out of service, all mailers that drop ship into affected areas have been advised of service conditions and the availability of alternate arrangements. Service updates will continue to be posted on www.usps.com.

As service is restored in some areas, destruction and heavy damage to homes and businesses will prevent regular carrier delivery. Residential and business customers will be notified of alternate delivery arrangements as soon as they have been established.

The Postal Inspection Service will be working with Louisiana District officials today to make an initial determination of the extent of infrastructure damage in New Orleans and surrounding communities.