Pompano Customer Gives Thanks

Tropical Reef Station Letter Carrier David Klausner received this handmade thank you card and a refreshment from a grateful Pompano family.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

Thanking Our Heroes

On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a resolution of the 87th Congress that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Each year, the calendar week in which May 15 falls is called Police Week.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor federal, state, and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. In 2020, we include our heroes lost to the coronavirus.

Throughout our Nation’s history, law enforcement officials have never wavered in the face of crisis or tragedy. During uncertain times, law enforcement officers bravely face challenges and continue to protect the American people. They ensure the safety of our communities, providing a much needed sense of security for our citizens, and today we express our gratitude for their efforts.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Preparing for Hurricane Season

The South Florida District Emergency Management Team (EMT) is preparing for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins June 1.

Under the leadership of Acting District Manager Juan Gonzalez and Acting District Emergency Manager Michelle Jarrell, the EMT includes senior postal officials and Postal Inspectors. Just as you have an Emergency Action Plan to protect your family and secure your property, the EMT has tasks assigned in the Integrated Emergency Management Plan (IEMP) and Hurricane Annex which outlines specific preparedness, response, and recovery actions as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The EMT’s mission is to ensure your safety and well-being as postal operations and service are restored after a tropical storm or a hurricane.

In the weeks prior to hurricane season, EMT members review and update the Hurricane Annex (including SOPs), and under the direction of National Preparedness Specialist Rachel Jones, participate in hurricane tabletop exercises to ensure that each team member understands his or her role. During an emergency, such as a tropical storm or a hurricane, the EMT relies on the Postal Alert Notification System (PANS), a web-based and wireless communications mechanism, to coordinate tasks and record actions taken before, during, and after a weather event.

Throughout the season (June 1–November 30), the EMT monitors National Hurricane Center advisories 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Based on these forecasts, the team communicates through meetings and telecons to make operational decisions. This information is messaged on the National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-363-7462).

Remembering Flag Protocol in May

• Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, is Friday, May 15.

Postal facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff this day. The POW-MIA flag should fly beneath the U.S. flag.

To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

• Armed Forces Day, which honors men and women who serve in the U.S. military, is Monday, May 18. The U.S. flag and the POW-MIA flag must fly at full-staff.

• Memorial Day, a federal holiday to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, is Monday, May 25.

Facilities that are open on the holiday must fly the U.S. flag at half-staff, with the POW-MIA flag below the U.S. flag.

The U.S. flag and POW-MIA flag must be flown at half-staff from sunrise — or the hour when they are raised — until noon. Then, hoist the flags to the peak of the staff, where they either must fly until the time of closing or no later than sunset (unless the flags are lighted).

Facilities that are closed Memorial Day should lower the flags to half-staff when the facility closes prior to the holiday. Return the flags to full staff when the facility opens on Tuesday, May 26.

For more information, please refer to Section 472 of the Administrative Support Manual at https://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manuals/asm/html/asmc4_020.htm.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'