Drive Defensively, Especially in Heavy Rains

With the heavy rains, we’ve experienced many low lying and poor drainage areas have been flooded, in addition to the flooding of small streams and rivers.  Driving dangers are among many serious hazards related to floods. 

Employees with driving responsibilities should drive defensively and adjust your speed accordingly.  

·    Approach mailboxes with caution, and be aware of wet roadways that may cause the vehicle to hydroplane. 

·    Avoid driving through standing water if possible. 

·    Pay particular attention where carriers may park as to avoid creating an unsafe hazard.

Carriers should stay away from downed power lines and contact their supervisor if deliveries cannot be made due to unsafe conditions.

Walking conditions may be hazardous when the ground is wet.  Stairs and steps may be particularly slippery during these conditions.  Carriers should be reminded to use handrails when ascending and descending stairs and steps.  Ensure carriers are wearing proper footwear and dressed appropriately.

As professional drivers, be prepared to drive defensively and watch for pedestrians and other motorists at all times.

Beware of Flooded Roads 

Floods can occur anywhere, and floods are the number two weather-related killer in the United States (heat-related illness is number one). Floodwaters may rise gradually or flash floods could strike suddenly. 

According to FEMA:

·         Six inches of water can knock people off their feet

·         One foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle

If indoors:

If water begins to enter and rise in the facility, seek higher ground such as a higher floor or the roof.

If outdoors:

Move away from flooded areas to higher ground.

Do not walk or wade through floodwater.  If you slip and fall, you might drown.  Hazards under the water could also cause injuries.

If in a vehicle:

Do not bypass barricaded areas. And remember – customers may follow you due to the trust they have in the Postal Service. "Turn around, don't drown!"

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.  Attempting to drive through water may stall your engine and may cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.

If your vehicle begins to float on water, the floodwater becomes your steering wheel. If that water is moving, your vehicle could be swept away, tipped on its side, or flipped.  Rising water can enter your vehicle in a manner of minutes, even seconds.

If you become stuck in your vehicle underwater, you need to act quickly:

·         Find a pocket of trapped air, usually against the rear window or roof.

·         Roll a window down slowly, take a deep breath, and be ready to swim.

·         If the window won't open, break it.

·    If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so they may call for help.

 

Some Praise for 'Going Above and Beyond'

Oakland Park Branch Letter Carrier Cierra Wanton

 Dear Ms. Wanton,

On behalf of myself and the United States Postal Service customers, we would like to thank you for going above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients.

Recently, I received an email from a customer who wanted it to be known you have always been pleasant and patient with him. He was impressed by your dedication to your job and considers himself and the Oakland Park Branch very fortunate to have you as an employee.

The good reputation that the Postal Service enjoys is built upon the loyal service of people like you.

Please accept this certificate as a symbol of my deep appreciation for your loyal and dedication to this organization. 

Sincerely, 

David C. Guiney

Postmaster, Fort Lauderdale

Is Your Current Contact Info on File?

In an emergency, the Postal Service may need to contact employees to verify that they are safe. The only way we can do that is by calling you on your phone number of record.  In urgent situations, we may also conduct a home visit at your home address to verify that you are safe.

Unfortunately, information on file is not always up to date. Telephone numbers may not be current and sometimes the home address on file is a Post Office Box. While that is correct as a mailing address, it would not be enough information to conduct a home visit to verify that you are safe under urgent, perhaps life-threatening, situations.

If information isn’t accurate in your work file, we then reach out to whomever you have designated as your emergency contact.  That information, too, may change over time.

If that information is not accurate or lists a PO Box as a home address, please go to  https://liteblue.usps.gov, click on “I want to:” click on “change my address.”

Miami SSA Achieves Perfect RCE Score

Miami Olympia Heights Branch Sales and Services Associate Damary Jeanty scored 100 percent on a Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Smiling eyes tell us our employee was pleased with Gold Star Award recognition.

Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

Employee Hotline ... One Call Does It All

The South Florida District Emergency Management Team reminds employees to add the National Employee Emergency Hotline number --- 888-363-7462 --- to their cell phone directory, if they have not already done so. This number also should be on a yellow sticker on the back of your employee ID badge.

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. In addition, if you evacuate and relocate due to an emergency, call the hotline number, and after entering your facility ZIP Code, select “Option 5.” 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. The simplest way to access the variety of Florida Relay services is to dial 7-1-1. Other options include: 

TTY	800-955-8771 If you are using TTY equipment.
Voice	800-955-8770 If you are a standard (voice) user who connects with a Relay user.
ASCII	800-955-1339 If you are utilizing a computer.
Voice Carry Over (VCO)	877-955-8260 If you prefer to speak directly to a hearing person.  The Relay Operator listens to the speaking person and types what is said to your TTY/VCO phone.
Speech to Speech (STS)	877-955-5334 If you have a speech disability and prefer that a Relay Operator serve as your voice and repeat your responses to the called party.