CUSTOMER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LOUISIANA
Business as usual after Hurricane Gustav
- Processing and Distribution Facilities and Post Offices in Northern and Central Louisiana including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette Areas, (ZIP Codes 705 - 714) have resumed services
- Greater New Orleans Metro and Mandeville area post offices (ZIP Codes 700, 701, and 704) have resumed normal delivery and retail operations.
- South Louisiana Post Offices with ZIP Codes 703 have resumed partial retail and delivery services on Thursday, September 4, 2008.
- Service will resume in previously closed Post Offices in the restricted areas beginning Friday, September 5, 2008
- Terrebonne Parish Post Offices open for service include: Houma, Bourg, Chauvin, Schriever, and Gray. ontegut Postal customers can pick up their mail from the Chauvin Post Office.
- Galliano, Golden Meadow, and Larose will also be open for service Friday; Grande Isle mail will be available at the Lockport Post Office.
- Lower Plaquemines Parish's two Post Offices, Port Sulphur and Buras are closed. Mail is being processed and delivered from the Belle Chasse Post Office.
- Barataria Post Office is closed and mail is being delivered from the Lafitte Post Office.
- Braithwaite Post Office which is also closed due to damage and will be served by the Chalmette Post Office
For Business Customers
Business customers needing support or with questions should contact their local Business Service Network Representative or they may contact the Southwest Area Business Service Network at 214-267-3130. Business customers can also check our Frequently Asked Questions at USPS.com or RIBBs.
- SCF New Orleans
Dropshipments to the SCF New Orleans P&DC (700) have resumed effective 12:00 noon on Thursday September 4, 2008.
Mailing and Shipping to affected areas
There are no embargos or restrictions of mail or special services destined to the hurricane affected areas.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
- Where is my mail that came in before the storm?
- The Postal Service will process mail that has been held due to the storm. This mail will be delivered when normal delivery resumes.
- What if I am unable to return to my residence and cannot receive mail there?
- Mail will be processed to your delivery address and held for local pickup or forwarded as per any change of address filed.
PLEASE NOTE: CHANGE OF ADDRESS WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS THE PERSON IS GOING TO A TEMPORARY ADDRESS FOR AT LEAST 16 DAYS.
- How can we monitor the USPS service adjustments?
- You can access the latest information on service updates at http://www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm. The Postal Service is ready to return to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).
- What is the Postal Service doing to protect its facilities and equipment?
- As in the case during any hurricane, the Postal Service takes steps to protect the mail, employees and equipment before the storm's arrival. Those actions include moving mail and equipment to higher ground to protect from flooding and holding mail abound for the areas in the hurricane's path at its place of origin.
- When will the USPS return to regular business after the hurricane has passed?
- The Postal Service is committed to resuming services and serving our customers as quickly as weather conditions and accessibility allow, mindful of employee and customer safety.
- How do I file a Change of Address?
- Customers may file a Change of Address (COA) on line at USPS.com, at the nearest Post Office or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). COA cards will be made available to all shelters.
- What kind of information is needed to file a change of address?
- Here’s the information the Postal Service needs to get forwarded mail to a customer’s original, local address:
Old Address: Customers should enter the address where their mail is now being forwarded.
New Address: Customers should enter their current, local mailing address.
- What if I cannot return to my home or business for an extended period, how will I get my mail?
- To assist displaced residents, customers unable to receive delivery at their permanent address for a period beyond 16 days should file a change of address. If you are in a shelter, there will be Postal personnel to assist. PLEASE NOTE: CHANGE OF ADDRESS WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS THE PERSON IS GOING TO A TEMPORARY ADDRESS FOR AT LEAST 16 DAYS.
- What if there is no phone or Internet service in my area?
- Hurricane victims in areas without telephone service or internet access should go to the nearest post office, complete a change-of-address form, and submit it to a postal Retail Associate at the counter or mail it — its postage free.
- What happens to the mail that was already bound for the affected areas?
- At this time, no mail is being held.
EMPLOYEE INFORMATION
- How do employees find out where they should report to work?
- All postal employees should call the USPS National Employee Hotline at 1-888-EMERGENC (1-888-363-7462), and get up-to-the-minute information on employee schedules and reporting times as well as what local number to call to report in and to receive further instructions on where to report. Employees must call in order to be accounted for and get instructions from the District emergency number given on the 888 number above.
Your safety is important to us. Please respect all local law enforcement and emergency management regulations. Please call back and check for updates two hours before your regular reporting time.
- My home or property has been damaged from the storm how can I get financial help?
- The Postal Employee Relief Fund was established to help employees recover from personal or property loss as a result of a natural disaster. You can get more information by clicking on the following link www.postalrelief.com.
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