Hurricane Recovery in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Logan Parkinson (left) and Brandon Larnard (right), both Navy Petty Officers 2^nd Class, prepare a patient for evacuation on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Photo: U.S. Navy

USPS is working to restore service in the Caribbean after it was slammed last week by Hurricane Maria, the devastating storm that caused widespread destruction throughout the area.

The Postal Service closed all facilities on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in preparation for the storm, which knocked out power and caused major flooding and landslides in several places.

Limited pick-up mail service has been restored in St. Thomas, VI. All other Caribbean facilities remain closed.

With a majority of operations suspended, USPS is not accepting employee or public donations of supplies destined for the Caribbean at this time. The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund and Employee Assistance Program are available to help employees affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

“The Postal Service is making every effort to recover from this disaster, but it’s going to be a long recovery. As always, our first priority is the safety of our employees,” said Northeast Area VP Ed Phelan, whose jurisdiction includes the Caribbean. “We will re-open facilities only when it is safe to do so.”

USPS has more than 2,800 employees in the Caribbean serving approximately four million residents.

Maria arrived on the heels of Hurricane Irma, which caused widespread damage to Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean islands earlier this month.

The Postal Service is asking employees affected by Maria to visit one of several Puerto Rico Post Offices, including Humacao, Carolina, Mayaguez, Ponce, Caguas, Arecibo and the San Juan Processing and Distribution Center, to report their condition to local management and the Postal Inspection Service.

Employees with phone service can also call the USPS national emergency hotline at 888-363-7462.

The USPS Service Alerts and USPS Newsroom sites have the latest information.

Source: LINK

Perrine SSA Earns Gold Star Award

Miami Postmaster Enrique “Rick” Suarez thanked Perrine Sales and Services Associate Ellen Mattox, who provided outstanding service to her customers and earned a Gold Star Award for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction.

“The Gold Star Award is a small token of appreciation to demonstrate that your achievements do not go unnoticed,” said Suarez. “Thank you for all the excellent customer service you provide.”

 Perrine Sales and Services Associate Ellen Mattox

 

Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Hurricane Recovery: Boynton Beach

After five days without power, Boynton Beach Downtown employees celebrated the return of electricity with a group selfie. These employees represent the dedication and commitment of the South Florida Postal Family from Fort Pierce to the Florida Keys and every location in between. 

Miami ISC Seeks Ad-hoc Networks Specialist EAS-17 for 30 Days

Are you looking to broaden your horizons? There’s an ad-hoc Networks Specialist, EAS-17, available at the Miami International Service Center in Miami, FL.

All qualified career employees within local commuting distance (50 miles) of the Miami ISC, 11698 NW 25 Street, Miami, FL, may apply for this ad-hoc position (not to exceed 30 days). Work hours will be 0800 – 1630 with Sunday/Monday as non-scheduled days.   

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE: Coordinates activities between suppliers and postal supervisors to ensure the efficient movement of mail and mail equipment; provides guidance in administering network changes regarding dispatch and routing activities within the postal installation and its area served.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Evaluates supplier performance; recommends and implements changes to improve effectiveness of suppliers. 2. Maintains and circulates schemes and schedules; provides feedback to Distribution Networks Office on routing and labeling errors. 3. Receives and processes requests for postal equipment from postal installations and private mailers; ensures adequate inventory of equipment is on hand at facility and prepares documents for the shipping and receiving of trailers. 4. Reviews irregularity, delinquencies, and other deficiencies by suppliers and follows with appropriate action; verifies the validity of reported infractions. 5. Provides technical advice and makes recommendations regarding dispatching problems and rerouting instructions to offices routing mail to provide timely movement of mail. Maintains contacts with other offices to ensure the level of transportation service provided is effective and economical. 6. Coordinates plant load operations with the Distribution Networks Office and assists in reviewing supplier schedules and operations; recommends schedule changes, adjustments, and establishment or discontinuance of vehicle service between facilities to improve service and reduce fuel consumption. 7. Reviews and monitors supplier performance, compliance with contract, operational activities, and safety requirements ensuring proper procedures are being followed. Responds to inquiries and complaints, maintains files and certifies payment for services. 8. Coordinates the dissemination of information and guidance for all dispatching and ramp employees engaged in activities relating to the receipt, transfer, and dispatch of all classes of mail. May supervise transportation-related employees in absence of supervisor or manager. 9. Administers national and regional rules, regulations, and special instructions governing the distribution and routing of mail.

Employees must submit a cover letter, along with a summary of accomplishments addressing the above requirements. All applications must be mailed and received by Close of Business on Friday, October 6, 2017. Send applications to Donna Demirgian, Manager, Transportation Networks, Miami International Service Center, 11698 NW 25 Street, Miami, FL  33112.

Summerland Key Trio to the Rescue

From left, Port St. Lucie PSE Clerk Robert Marrero, Postal Inspector Meghan Ayers, and Palm Beach Gardens PSE Clerk Kelby Clarke at the Summerland Key Post Office.

Palm Beach Gardens Postal Support Employee (PSE) Clerk Kelby Clarke, Port St. Lucie PSE Clerk Robert Marrero and New York Division Postal Inspector Meghan Ayers were in the Florida Keys to assist with recovery efforts.

While working at the Summerland Key Post Office, a rollover accident occurred 50 yards south of the facility. The trio quickly reported to the scene; the driver was upside down in his vehicle. While Postal Inspector Ayers called 911, Clarke and Marrero used a knife to cut the driver's seatbelt to release him from the vehicle. The driver did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.  

 

The accident scene near the Summerland Key Post Office. 

Hurricane Recovery: Delivering Cases to the Florida Keys

On Thursday, September 21, newly-labeled cases were transported to Big Pine Key and Summerland Key. Both units, which were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma, will have a temporary set up at Big Pine Key.

 

Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Building Equipment Mechanic Vicente Yap (front right) assists Custodian Francisco Sanchez (far right) load cases labeled for Big Pine Key and Summerland Key.

Miami P&DC Building Equipment Mechanic Vicente Yap (front left) and Custodian Francisco Sanchez (far left) load cases from staging area.

 

Miami P&DC Custodian Francisco Sanchez (above) loads distribution cases for Big Pine Key 33043-Route 001 onto a truck.

Miami P&DC Custodian Francisco Sanchez (left)  and Building Equipment Mechanic Vicente Yap (right)  help load cases heading to Big Pine Key and Summerland Key.

 

Photos: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Celebrating Hispanic Contributions

     National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15 through October 15.
     The month honors the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
     The United States is home to 58.6 million Hispanic people, the Pew Research Center reported last month, citing U.S. Census data. 
     Approximately 68,800 Postal Service employees — or about 10 percent of the USPS workforce — identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Hurricane Recovery: Davie Carrier Delivers Customer Service

From left, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney; Davie Letter Carrier Scott Magley; and Fort Lauderdale Manager, Customer Service Operations Gwen Branch during hurricane recovery. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

On Tuesday, September 12, the Davie Branch had no power. Generators were sent to the office, but there was no gasoline available. Letter Carrier Scott Magley reported to work and his first thought was the 40 gallons of gas at home. 

“My family and friends were good so I decided to give the gas to the Post Office,” said Magley. “It was about our customers.”

“Scott’s dedication and unselfishness were truly inspirational,” said Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney. “Each and every employee has no idea how much they influence the community, and I am proud of the entire team.” 

WPB Passport Fair: Saturday, Oct. 14

Planning a vacation? Needing a passport? The West Palm Beach Main Post Office, 3200 Summit Blvd, is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointments required.

U.S. citizens must present a valid Passport Book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a Passport Book, Passport Card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.

How to Prepare for the Passport Application Process:
·  A completed application (form is available at usps.com/passport; but do not sign it until the passport clerk instructs you to do so).  
·  Remember that everyone, including newborn infants, is required to obtain a passport in his or her own name. For children under age 16, the consent of both parents/guardians is required. 
·  Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver’s license, a government ID or military ID, previous passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate)
·  Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport, original or certified birth certificate issued from the state with a raised, embossed, impressed, or multi-colored seal and registrar’s signature and date of certificate filing)
·  Two official passport photos (available at the Passport Fair for $15)
·  Social Security Number

The U.S. Department of State fees vary according to age and type. The fee(s) must be made by money order, check, bank draft, or cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of State; debit and credit card payment is not available. The Passport Book fee for under age 16 is $80; for age 16 and older is $110. The Passport Card fee for under age 16 is $15, and for age 16 and older is $30. In addition, all acceptance agencies, including the Postal Service, charge a processing fee of $25 per application. A debit or credit card may be used in addition to cash, money order, or check made payable to the Postal Service.

Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery

Key West devastation

Marathon Retail Associate Alison Rohaley sorts packages in a mobile tent.

Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) maintenance employees Michael Thompson II (left) and Arnaldo Zayas (right) help remove debris at the Big Pine Key Post Office.

Postal Support Employee (PSE) Calvin Villalobos gets ready to sort mail inside the Marathon Post Office tent.

A 'Dog' Day Afternoon in Greenacres

On a sweltering hot afternoon, Greenacres employees were treated to hot dogs and sodas for their outstanding customer service in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. 

Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery

Assistant Inspector In Charge Delany De Leon-Colon of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division (left) and Los Angeles Postal Inspector Team Leader David Focht (right) discuss restoration near a tent at the Marathon Post Office.

A Letter Carrier travels along Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key.



The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy in Key West, marking the southernmost point in the continental United States. It is 18 feet above sea level. The large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 by the city at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street. Today it is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the United States. Above is a photo captured as Hurricane Irma hit Key West.

South Florida District Letter Carriers traveled in a postal van to Key West to help deliver the mail while employees, who had evacuated, returned to the Florida Keys.

Under the leadership of Postmaster Eduardo (Eddy) Suarez, "Team Key Largo" reported for duty the day after the hurricane.

 

Islamorada Rural Carrier Aida Geronimmo delivers Priority Mail products to her residential and business customers following the hurricane.



Postal Employees Relief Fund

You can help USPS colleagues whose homes have been damaged by the recent Hurricanes Harvey or Irma by making a donation to the Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF).

This special solicitation is outside the Combined Federal Campaign.

Online, you can make a one-time credit or debit card donation at www.postalrelief.com.

Or you may mail a check to:

Postal Employees Relief Fund

PO Box 7630
Woodbridge, VA 22195

Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery

From left, Key West Main Office Supervisor, Customer Services Tiffany Lewicki; Officer In Charge Che Pearson and A/Supervisor, Customer Services Jennifer Wolf are pleased to be back at work.

At the Key West Main Office, Retail Associate Omayra Cruz assists Chester Kalb, a customer who recently returned to his home.  

Miami Letter Carrier Cesar Gonzalez sorts mail at the Key West Main Office.

 

  Mail and supplies from the mainland arrive in Key West. 

 

Marathon Letter Carrier John Schaefer (left) delivers mail to Customer Annie Wilson (right).

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division and U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General worked together in the Lower Keys. From left, Postal Inspector Daniel Borja, OIG Special Agent Raymond Hamed, Postal Inspector Blanca Alvarez, Postal Police Captain Donald Martin, and Postal Inspector Anthony Arena.

 

A customer purchased a book of stamps at the mobile retail unit set up in the parking lot of the Big Pine Key, FL, Post Office. The mobile retail unit is open for business Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 Noon. In the background, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Associated donated items, including diapers, canned goods, water, and other essentials, for distribution to residents.

Additional photos will be posted over the next few days.

Relocated? Let Us Know You're Safe

Although it is uncertain how Hurricane Irma will impact South Florida, take the time now to add the National Employee Emergency Hotline --- 888-363-7462   --- to your cell phone directory.

The National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-EMERGNC or 888-363-7462) is the official source of information for weather issues, work schedule changes, and facility status.

When calling the National Employee Emergency Hotline, remember to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code of your workplace location. Also, if you evacuate and relocate due to an emergency, call the hotline number, and then press “5” after entering your facility ZIP Code. You will be routed to an individual who can take your information and relay it to District and Area leadership whose priorities are your safety and well-being.

If you use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call a Florida TRS toll-free number, and the TRS operator will interact with the hotline application on your behalf. Through the use of highly-trained operators, calls can be made 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing Florida residents who are in need of services to connect and communicate with anyone at any time. The simplest way to access the variety of Florida Relay services available is to dial 7-1-1. 

Evacuating? Let Us Know You're Safe

Although it is uncertain if Hurricane Irma will impact South Florida, take the time now to add the National Employee Emergency Hotline --- 888-363-7462 --- to your cell phone directory.

The National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-EMERGNC or 888-363-7462) is the official source of information for weather issues, work schedule changes, and facility status.

When calling the National Employee Emergency Hotline, remember to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code of your workplace location. Also, if you evacuate and relocate due to an emergency, call the hotline number, and then press “5” after entering your facility ZIP Code. You will be routed to an individual who can take your information and relay it to District and Area leadership whose priorities are your safety and well-being.

If you use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call a Florida TRS toll-free number, and the TRS operator will interact with the hotline application on your behalf. Through the use of highly-trained operators, calls can be made 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing Florida residents who are in need of services to connect and communicate with anyone at any time. The simplest way to access the variety of Florida Relay services available is to dial 7-1-1. 

Need Gas? Check 'GasBuddy' Link

If you’re searching for gas, first check this GasBuddy link:

http://tracker.gasbuddy.com/Search.aspx?t=search

Just type your ZIP Code.

Remember that after a hurricane, many gas stations may not have power to pump gasoline. But a 2007 state law mandated gas stations with 8 or more fuel pumps, and are located on or near major highways and interstates, must have a generator to provide power to the pumps. 

#PostalProud

Haverhill Letter Carrier Retires

Haverhill Letter Carrier Jerald “Jay” Jackson (left) retired with 44 years of government service.

West Palm Beach Postmaster Robert Weiser (right) presented Jackson with his Retirement Certificate and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service. Jackson’s co-workers also praised him during the recognition.

Jackson, who described himself as a postal ambassador, shared a few words of advice with his co-workers:

“It’s all about respect. Respect your co-workers, respect management,” he said.

Jackson plans to brush up on his golfing skills in his retirement.

 

Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders

#PostalProud

 

Haverhill Letter Carrier Retires

 

West Palm Beach Postmaster Robert Weiser (right) presented Haverhill Letter Carrier Carol Brown-Griffin (left) with her Retirement Certificate, which brought a smile to her face. Brown-Griffin is retiring after 30 years of postal service. “I am truly thankful for the friends I have made along the way,” said Brown-Griffin. Photo: West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Curlita Rogers-Saunders 

Honoring Father Hesburgh on Stamp

On September 1, the U.S. Postal Service issued a new Forever stamp honoring Father Theodore M. Hesburgh during a dedication ceremony on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, where he served as president for 35 years.

The stamp art features an oil-on-panel painting of Father Hesburgh standing on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. The portrait is based on a 1980 photograph taken by Notre Dame staff photographer Bruce Harlan. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Tim O’Brien.

“The Postal Service is pleased to issue a new Forever stamp honoring Father Theodore Hesburgh, considered one of the most important educational, religious and civic leaders of the 20th century,” said Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan. “This stamp is a lasting testament to his pioneering contributions as a champion of social justice, an advocate for international aid and an emissary for peace.”

Brennan was joined to dedicate the stamp by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

In addition, Rev. Austin I. Collins, C.S.C., religious superior of Holy Cross Priests and Brothers at Notre Dame and Rev. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C., provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross, participated in the ceremony. Richard “Digger” Phelps, former Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) member and former Notre Dame basketball head coach, served as emcee.

Background

Ordained into the priesthood of the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1943, Father Hesburgh was appointed to the faculty at Notre Dame in 1945. He became Notre Dame’s 15th president in 1952, a position he held for 35 years, the longest presidential term in the university’s history.

Father Hesburgh spearheaded successful efforts to strengthen the faculty and administration, improve academic standards and increase the university’s endowment.

Appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 1957, Father Hesburgh helped to compile reports on racial discrimination and the denial of voting rights that resulted in the Omnibus Civil Rights Act of 1964. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom the same year, and he later founded the Center for Civil and Human Rights at Notre Dame.

A champion of causes ranging from education to immigration reform to the plight of underdeveloped nations, Father Hesburgh worked with a number of organizations that reflected his beliefs, including the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching , the National Science Board, the Overseas Development Council and the Select Committee on Immigration and Refugee Policy.

In 1987, Father Hesburgh stepped down as Notre Dame’s president, devoting his time in retirement to supporting university initiatives, in particular the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and serving on various boards and presidential commissions.

Father Hesburgh was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000, one of many awards and honors received during his lifetime. 

September: Nat'l Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month.

Fewer than half of American families report having an emergency response plan. While we never know when the next disaster will strike, it is incumbent upon each of us to be prepared. 

We can start today to improve our readiness.  The first steps include making and practicing a family emergency response plan, creating an emergency supply kit, and signing up for emergency alerts. 

Wireless Emergency Alerts

During an emergency, alert and warning officials need to provide the public with life-saving information quickly. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), made available through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) infrastructure, are just one of the ways public safety officials can quickly and effectively alert and warn the public about serious emergencies.

What you need to know about WEAs:

1. WEAs can be sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the President of the United States

2. WEAs can be issued for three alert categories – imminent threat, AMBER, and presidential
3. WEAs look like text messages, but are designed to get your attention and alert you with a unique sound and vibration, both repeated twice
4. WEAs are no more than 90 characters, and will include the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, as well as the agency issuing the alert
5. WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls, or data sessions that are in progress
6. Mobile users are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe
7. To ensure your device is WEA-capable, check with your service provider

Emergency Alert System

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), is a modernization and integration of the nation's existing and future alert and warning systems, technologies, and infrastructure.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems, and wireless cable systems to provide the President with a communications capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency.

EAS may also be used by state and local authorities, in cooperation with the broadcast community, to deliver important emergency information, such as weather information, imminent threats, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to specific areas.

The President has sole responsibility for determining when the national-level EAS will be activated. FEMA is responsible for national-level EAS tests and exercises.

EAS is also used when all other means of alerting the public are unavailable, providing an added layer of resiliency to the suite of available emergency communication tools.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

NWR broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It also broadcasts alerts of non-weather emergencies such as national security, natural, environmental, and public safety through the Emergency Alert System.

Source: ready.gov