A basic premise of emergency management is that response begins and ends at the local level. However, when a disaster strikes and states and localities are unable to provide the necessary resources, it becomes critical that the federal government assist with emergency response. This “all hands on deck” approach can help save lives and ensure that the diverse needs of impacted communities are met, such as search and rescue, clearing of roads, delivering critical supplies, and restoring power.
The U.S. Postal Service, with its nationwide physical network, roots in every community, unmatched address information, extensive knowledge of neighborhoods from coast to coast, and its fully functioning law enforcement agency, has unique assets and capabilities to aid in federal response efforts.
In fact, the federal government—including the President, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services—has recognized the unique value of the nationwide postal infrastructure during national crises. As a result, the Postal Service prepares for emergencies as though it were a full executive agency (not an independent entity).