U.S. Postal Service prepared for Hurricane Rita

U.S. Postal Service prepared for Hurricane Rita

WASHINGTON - Neither rain...nor floods or hurricanes will stay the U.S. Postal Service from connecting people to their mail. Following the same steps it took to minimize mail disruption during Hurricane Katrina, the Postal Service is moving to protect its employees and the mail in the path of Hurricane Rita.

Mail destined for Houston and other areas in the expected path of Rita's landfall is being held at its place of origin in order to protect as many mail pieces as possible. Postal operations in any area covered by a mandatory evacuation order have been suspended. This includes delivery, collection, Post Office box and retail services, and mail processing. Mail currently in facilities in Rita's path, along with postal vehicles and equipment, are being moved to higher ground in anticipation of flooding.

Local postal officials are working with state and federal authorities to track weather and transportation issues to determine if other service adjustments are necessary. Those seeking the latest information on service updates can find it at: http://www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm. After the storm passes, the Postal Service is ready to return to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.

Postal employees affected by a mandatory evacuation order are being asked to monitor the USPS National Emergency Notification Hotline (1-888-363-7462) to determine work reporting status and to learn if any special instructions have been issued.